On 25/3, the People's Court of Ha Tinh province sentenced Tran Van Dung, 34, residing in Phuc Trach commune, to life imprisonment for murder and illegal use of military weapons, under Articles 123 and 304 of the Penal Code.

In court, Dung expressed remorse, stating he "felt agitated and couldn't control his actions" at the time of the offense. He hoped for a reduced sentence to atone for his mistakes.

Defendant Dung in court on the afternoon of 25/3. *Photo: Duc Hung*

The Trial Panel deemed Dung's actions exceptionally dangerous, a severe violation of family ties, and a deliberate deprivation of life. However, he received leniency due to his honest confession and the victim's family's petition for a reduced sentence.

Authorities reported that Dung had a history of imprisonment and exhibited signs of mental illness upon his release. He experienced a mental disorder, linked to previous drug use, before, during, and after the incident.

Tran Thi Duyen, 32, Dung's older sister, testified in court, crying as she described her brother. She stated that when sober, he was gentle and reclusive, but alcohol transformed him, making him easily irritable and prone to arguments with family and neighbors.

"I never imagined our family would face such a tragedy, losing our mother and seeing my brother imprisoned," Duyen stated.

Duyen (Dung's sister), representing the victim, cried during her court testimony. *Photo: Duc Hung*

The indictment detailed that around 6 h on 25/6/2025, at their home in Phuc Trach commune (formerly part of Huong Khe district), Dung's parents, Tran Van Thu, 66, and Vo Thi Huong, 65, were preparing dinner. Dung sat on the front porch smoking.

When his parents called him for dinner, Dung replied, "I've eaten, you all go ahead." However, Thu insisted, "Just come in and eat."

Prosecutors alleged that Dung, annoyed by his father's repeated urging, became angry, loudly disavowed his relationship with his parents, then approached the dining table and slapped Thu.

When his sister and her husband intervened, Dung retrieved a knife from the kitchen and pursued his father. Thu fled to the gate, and Dung chased him for approximately 100 m before giving up and returning.

Back at the house, Dung found Huong clearing dinner in the kitchen. He then attacked her with the knife, causing her to collapse and die.

Duc Hung