On 26/1, Quyen, originally from Dong Thap province, faced trial at the People's Court of TP HCM on charges of murder, illegal possession of narcotics, and organizing illegal drug use.

Nguyen Van Ut, 39, also from Dong Thap, was indicted for illegal drug trade in connection with the case.

Quyen's life began in a poor rural area of Dong Thap province. She experienced trauma, becoming a mother for the first child before turning 16 and having a second child before reaching adulthood. Lacking stable employment and raising two young children, Quyen left her children with her parents and moved to TP HCM to study and work as a masseuse.

From 2023, Quyen developed a romantic relationship with a DJ and they lived together as a couple in a rented room in Trung Son residential area, Binh Hung commune (formerly Binh Chanh district).

According to the indictment, in the early morning of 2/4/2024, to celebrate her lover's birthday, Quyen bought 3 million dong worth of drugs from Ut, which they then consumed together. On the same day, she purchased an additional 5,5 million dong worth of drugs and invited some friends to join them.

That evening, after the group had consumed all the drugs, Quyen discovered her DJ lover texting another woman, leading to an argument. When he walked away, Quyen went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, pursued him, and stabbed him once in the neck. She then, with a friend, transported the victim to the emergency room, but he did not survive.

Defendant Phan Thi Mong Quyen in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

During today's trial, Quyen bowed her head and admitted to all her criminal acts when questioned by the Trial Panel. Recounting the day of the incident, the defendant stated that while she, her lover, and friends were using stimulants, she found her boyfriend texting another woman, which sparked a conflict and physical altercation.

When her lover left, Quyen believed he was going to meet the other woman, so she chased after him. "At that moment, I only wanted to vent my anger; I had no intention of taking the victim's life", Quyen said, breaking into tears.

The defendant stated that when she met the victim, she was unaware he was married. Later, she heard from the victim's mother that he had a wife and two children.

"Knowing he had a wife and children, and was also involved with another woman, why did you continue to live with him?", the presiding judge asked. Quyen remained silent in response to this question.

The judge further explained that if a relationship cannot continue, parties have the right to choose to separate; no one is permitted to take another person's life, only to face trial and legal punishment. "Behind this case is the pain of the defendant's family, parents, and children, as well as the victim's family", the judge stated.

Regarding drug use, when asked by the judge about the number of times she bought drugs from Ut and the amount of money transacted each time, the defendant claimed she "could not remember".

According to case files presented in court, Quyen purchased drugs from Ut a total of 16 times to use with her lover. However, the defendant claimed she had only used drugs for a few months leading up to the murder and was not yet addicted.

In response to this statement, the presiding judge commented, "Not yet addicted, but the defendant's mind was already not normal", further explaining that drug use can damage the nervous system, leading to psychosis and loss of behavioral control.

Quyen testified that on the day of the incident, she had purchased a total of 8,5 million dong worth of drugs, nearly all of which she consumed with her lover and friends.

In her final statement, Quyen expressed remorse, reiterating that her hot temper and lack of self-control led to irreversible consequences. "Because of drugs, I lost the person I loved and will regret it for the rest of my life", the defendant said, also apologizing to her mother for being an unfilial child and to her children for failing in her maternal responsibilities, requesting a reduced sentence for a chance to rebuild her life.

After deliberation, the Trial Panel determined that the defendant's actions resulted in particularly serious consequences and involved multiple crimes, warranting strict punishment. However, the court acknowledged mitigating circumstances, such as her frank confession, remorse, and the victim's partial fault, leading to a reduction in part of the sentence.

Consequently, the court sentenced Quyen to 18 years in prison for murder, 2 years for illegal possession of narcotics, and 8 years for organizing illegal drug use. The combined sentence requires the defendant to serve 28 years in prison; she is also ordered to compensate the victim's family 280 million dong and provide 5 million dong per month in child support for the victim's children.

Defendant Nguyen Van Ut was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Binh Nguyen