On 26/8, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Tien, 24, to 7 years in prison for murder and one year for illegal possession of military weapons, totaling 8 years in prison.

At the court, Tien expressed remorse, stating he acted out of frustration because his friend, Cao Duc Vuong, refused to transfer ownership of land Tien had entrusted to him. He asked the court for a reduced sentence to atone for his mistakes and care for his family.

The trial panel noted that Tien used dangerous weapons, shooting and stabbing the victim in vital areas, warranting a severe sentence. However, the defendant received leniency for surrendering, making truthful statements, and receiving a plea for a reduced sentence from the victim.

Cao Xuan Tien at court. Photo: Kim Long

According to the indictment, in 10/2023, Tien needed to borrow money but could not directly apply for a loan. He asked Vuong to register as the owner of his family's more than 557 m2 of land to mortgage it with a bank, borrowing 2,26 ty VND. Tien received 2,2 ty VND, and Vuong received 60 million VND as a "fee" from Tien.

They agreed that after Tien's personal matters were resolved, Vuong would transfer the land back to Tien.

Later, Vuong told others he had purchased the land from Tien's family and refused to transfer ownership. This led to a conflict between the two men.

In early 7/2025, Tien, feeling angry, planned to kill Vuong for revenge. He bought a pellet gun that used compressed air online for 7 million VND.

From 24/7 to 27/7/2025, Tien repeatedly drove past Vuong's house on his moto, looking for an opportunity to shoot him but never found him. On the morning of 28/7, Tien posted "you deserve to die..." on his personal Facebook before going to Vuong's house to "talk".

Finding Vuong absent, Tien entered the house, drew his gun, fired three shots at Vuong's wife, and stabbed her one time. The victim required emergency hospitalization and sustained 4% injuries.

Tien surrendered to authorities after the crime.

Duc Hung