On the afternoon of 22/9, Dat, 25, was sentenced to life in prison by the Tay Ninh People's Court for murder and ordered to pay the victim's family over 300 million VND.

Ten other defendants received sentences ranging from 1 to 17 years in prison for murder and failure to report a crime.

The defendants in court. Photo: Nam An

The defendants in court. Photo: Nam An

Late on 30/3/2024, Long, 14, and 10 friends were drinking beer in Trang Bang ward, Trang Bang town (former Tay Ninh province). Recalling a previous conflict with a 19-year-old, the teenager gathered his friends, armed with bamboo sticks, homemade knives, and beer bottles, seeking revenge.

While passing a milk tea shop in Loc Giang commune, Long mistook Viet, 21, who was buying food, for his rival. He prepared to attack, but then realized his mistake and stopped. However, Viet, seeing Long's group approaching with weapons, threw a glass of water at them. Long's group retaliated by smashing Viet's motorbike and chasing him.

Viet escaped and went to a karaoke bar to tell Dat and his friends about the incident. They planned an ambush, waiting for Long's group to pass by.

Seeing Long on a motorbike with three friends, Dat struck Long in the chest with an iron pipe. The others joined in the attack using bricks and stones. Long continued riding for about 100 meters before collapsing. He was taken to the hospital but later died.

After the attack, Dat and Viet returned to the karaoke bar and recounted the incident to acquaintances, who did not report it to the police. Two days later, the group checked the news online, learned of Long's death, and turned themselves in.

Nam An

*The victim's name has been changed.