According to the indictment, on April 24, Phan Dinh Thong, 17, residing in Hung Chau commune, was attacked by a group on motorbikes who used a knife to slash his license plate, though it remained intact. Through social media, Thong suspected a group of teenagers from the former Yen Thanh district, using the TikTok account "141," was involved in the incident.

The following afternoon, after learning the "141" group planned to watch fireworks at Cua Lo beach, Thong gathered his friends to confront them. That evening, Thong, Tran Dang Khoa, Le Pham Vu, and Dau Minh Khue, along with nine others, removed their motorbikes' license plates, stored them in the trunks, and wore face masks as they sought out the rival group. Khue also carried one modified knife with a sharp blade.

Authorities accused Thong of shouting and throwing objects at the "141" group upon their encounter. Attacked, two 16-year-olds, Nguyen Van Hao and Luyen Hong Vu, rode their motorbike away, pursued by dozens of people for about 4 km at speeds of 70-90 km/h. Near a railway barrier, their motorbike crashed, throwing Hao and Vu onto the road, where they both died.

The three defendants in court, on September 28. Photo: Hung Le

On the afternoon of September 28, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Khoa, 18, to 14 years and 6 months in prison for murder, under Article 123 of the Penal Code. Combined with a two-year sentence for disturbing public order, Khoa will serve a total of 16 years and 6 months in prison.

Dau Minh Khue, 18, and Le Pham Vu, 19, each received 14 years in prison for murder.

For Thong, the instigator, and the nine other related suspects, authorities will address their cases in a separate proceeding, following the legal procedures for individuals under 18 years of age.

Duc Hung