Juan Valencia, a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department, California, announced on 19/8 the details of a "shocking" murder in Santa Rosa, leading to the arrest of 71-year-old Tran Trong Khanh. Khanh is accused of murdering his father-in-law.
On 11/8, Khanh informed authorities that his 94-year-old father-in-law, Nguyen Van Sy, had died at his hillside home on River Road. Authorities initially determined that Sy died of natural causes while under the care of family members at the residence.
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The hillside home where Sy was allegedly murdered by his son-in-law. Photo: ABC7 Bay Area |
The hillside home where Sy was allegedly murdered by his son-in-law. Photo: ABC7 Bay Area
"At that time, we did not detect any signs of trauma or foul play. Sy's body was then released to the family," the Sheriff's Department stated.
However, due to suspicions, Sy's son reviewed home security camera footage and discovered Khanh placing a plastic bag and pillow over Sy's face, suffocating him. Based on this footage, police arrested Khanh on the morning of 16/8.
Valencia stated, "This is a cold, callous murder. We interrogated Khanh, and he said he committed the act because he considered his father-in-law a financial burden. He was tired and no longer wanted to provide comprehensive care for the elderly man."
Khanh is currently being held at the Sonoma County jail and is scheduled to appear in court this week.
Duc Trung (According to ABC7 News, San Francisco Chronicle)