On 8/9/2025, the People's Court of Quang Ngai province sentenced three Chinese nationals for the murder of a taxi driver from Quang Ninh province over a year prior.

Huang Jie Cheng, 19, received a 26-year sentence. Luo Shen Jun, 17, received 13 years, and Gan Ying, 18, received 11 years. All three were convicted of murder and robbery.

Huang Jie Cheng (right) and the two other defendants in court, morning of 8/9. Photo: Tra Giang

Huang Jie Cheng (right) and the two other defendants in court, morning of 8/9. Photo: Tra Giang

According to the indictment, on 26/7/2024, the three defendants illegally entered Quang Ninh province seeking employment, guided by an online acquaintance whose identity remains unknown. Around 3 a.m. the following day, they hired a taxi driven by a 48-year-old from Ha Long City to travel south.

During the journey, Luo Shen Jun noticed the taxi's navigation system indicated Cambodia as the destination and alerted the others. The three discussed returning to China but couldn't contact the person who arranged their jobs.

Believing they were being trafficked to Cambodia, they plotted to strangle the driver with a shirt and steal the taxi to return to Quang Ninh. At 6 p.m. that day, they stopped at a restaurant in the former Mo Duc district of Quang Ngai province. While the driver ordered food, the teenagers planned their attack.

An hour later, as the driver left a gas station and rejoined the highway, the three carried out their plan. Huang Jie Cheng drove to a deserted stretch of road and dumped the victim's body, causing his death.

The trio then headed north. Luo Shen Jun discarded the driver's two phones to avoid being tracked and stole over 3.5 million VND and 100 CNY.

Upon reaching Quang Binh province, Traffic Police signaled for them to stop. The group sped away but were apprehended shortly after.

Pham Linh