On 9/9, Vu, an English teacher, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City for attempted murder.

The court acknowledged Vu's dangerous actions and stated that the victim's survival was unintentional. Mitigating factors included Vu taking the victim to the hospital, providing partial compensation for damages, having a father who is a wounded veteran, and confessing to the crime. These factors led to a reduced sentence.

Defendant Le Thanh Vu in court. Photo: Binh Nguyen

According to the indictment, Vu met Hoang, 25, online in 2021 and they began a relationship. In 4/2022, they moved into a shared apartment in Binh Chanh district. Over a year later, Hoang moved out due to family pressure.

On 27/7/2023, Vu rented a room in Cau Ong Lanh ward and invited Hoang to discuss their relationship. Vu expressed his desire to reconcile, but Hoang refused and prepared to leave. Angered by the rejection, Vu decided to attack Hoang.

Vu pretended to have a gift for Hoang and asked him to close his eyes. After blindfolding Hoang with a black cloth, Vu went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and stabbed Hoang multiple times in the face, hands, and body. Hoang crawled to the bathroom, pleading with Vu to stop.

Vu then called an ambulance and took Hoang to the hospital. Hoang survived the attack but sustained injuries resulting in a 28% disability rating.

In court, Vu expressed remorse, admitted to the crime, and asked the court for leniency so he could return to his family.

Binh Nguyen

* The victim's name has been changed.