On 3/3, Kien Dai Vi and Thach Hong Hai (both 23 years old, from Vinh Long) were each sentenced to five years in prison for murder by the Family and Juvenile Court - Ho Chi Minh City People's Court.

The incident occurred nearly six years ago. During the investigation and prosecution, judicial agencies changed the charges against the defendants multiple times, from resisting public officials and intentional injury to murder.

According to the trial panel, the defendants' actions were exceptionally dangerous, directly endangering the lives of public officials and negatively impacting public order and security. However, as the defendants were under 18 years old at the time of the crime and came from difficult family circumstances, the court considered partially reducing their sentences.

Defendants Kien Dai Vi and Thach Hong Hai in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

In court today, Vi and Hai admitted their actions, expressed remorse, and requested leniency. The victim did not seek civil compensation.

Records show Hai completed grade 2, while Vi completed grade 8. At the time of the incident, both had traveled from Tra Vinh to Ho Chi Minh City to find temporary work.

Around noon on 16/11/2020, Vi was driving a motorbike with Hai as a passenger on Nguyen Van Linh street, through Binh Chanh district. At that time, a team from Da Phuoc Traffic Police Station (Ho Chi Minh City Police Traffic Police Department) was conducting speed control duties and detected Vi showing signs of violation. Officer Pham Tan Nhan from the Traffic Police Team signaled the motorbike to stop for inspection. As Vi did not have a driver's license and feared vehicle impoundment, Hai (the passenger) urged Vi to flee.

Vi then accelerated to approximately 70 km/h and swerved left, intending to pass. However, the motorbike collided directly with Nhan, causing the officer to fall to the road, sustaining severe injuries. Colleagues rushed him to emergency care.

The forensic examination concluded that the victim suffered a brain injury and 36% body impairment.

Binh Nguyen