Early on 19/1, after many hours of extended searching, police and other authorities found the child buried underground in the cinnamon hill area of Quyet Hung hamlet, Xuan Ai commune.

Authorities had previously discovered the girl's mother murdered in the same area. The rescued girl was transferred to Van Yen Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment and is now out of critical condition.

By the evening of the same day, the Lao Cai Provincial Police's Criminal Investigation Department arrested suspect Phung Tien Cao, 27, residing in Xuan Ai commune. He is being investigated for murder and property robbery.

Phung Tien Cao at the investigative agency. Photo: Police provided

At the investigative agency, Cao confessed he needed money, leading him to plan the robbery. Having known the 43-year-old woman from Mau A commune, who had previously helped him with pig purchases, Cao devised a plan to trick the victim to murder and rob her of money.

According to his plan, on the afternoon of 18/1, Cao called the victim, arranging to meet her on an inter-hamlet road in Quyet Hung hamlet. His pretext was to "take her to see a herd of pigs for sale during Tet." The woman then brought her 7-year-old daughter to the meeting point.

Cao lured the mother and daughter to a nearby cinnamon hill area. There, he stabbed the mother multiple times with a knife, killing her instantly. The child was severely injured. After committing the crime, the suspect robbed the victim's motorbike and a mobile phone, then fled the scene.

Authorities searching for the girl buried underground. Photo: Yen Bai

When he lost contact with his wife and child, the husband reported it to the police. During the search operation, authorities discovered the woman's body and subsequently rescued the child in critical condition.