Robber who stabbed convenience store owner 16 times receives death sentence

Nguyen Minh Phuc was sentenced to death after robbing a convenience store of 1.5 million dong and fatally stabbing the owner 16 times when she cried for help.

Nguyen Minh Phuc, 31, received the highest penalty, the death sentence, for murder and robbery, handed down by the Dong Nai City People's Court on 27/7/2025.

The judicial panel determined Phuc's actions were dangerous, infringing on property rights and brutally taking a life. Consequently, the court found it necessary to impose the maximum sentence to remove the defendant from society, fulfilling the requirements for deterrence and general prevention.

According to the indictment, driven by a need for money, Phuc purchased one Thai knife from a street vendor on the afternoon of 19/6/2025. He then rode his motorcycle along National Highway 51, searching for vulnerable homes to rob.

Arriving at Tan Hai convenience store in Long Phuoc commune, Phuc observed Luu Thi Thu Cam, 59, selling goods alone. He pretended to be a customer. Seizing an opportunity, he held a knife to her throat, overpowering her and stealing 1.5 million dong.

When Ms. Cam cried out "robbery, robbery", Phuc, fearing discovery, stabbed her 16 times, causing her death. He then changed clothes and fled, but police apprehended him in Ho Chi Minh City just hours later.

In court, Phuc admitted his criminal acts, offered apologies to the victim's family, and requested a reduced sentence. He claimed the stabbing was an impulsive act, without premeditation to kill.