Two suspects arrested in massacre of six people in southern Vietnam

Nguyen Hai Duong, hailing from the southern province of An Giang, and Vu Van Tien, both 24, are now in police custody, Ho Sy Tien, head of the investigative unit under the Ministry of Public Security, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The police officer said the case, which led to a nationwide shock and horror, has been solved and police are slated to publicize all relevant information in a press meeting this afternoon, July 11.

Photo of Nguyen Hai Duong, taken from his Facebook.

The suspects were captured only four days after wood processing magnate Le Van My, 48, his wife, son, daughter, and two other relatives were found dead in their villa in Minh Hung Commune, Chon Thanh District.

My’s youngest daughter, aged 18 months, survived the massacre. The dead all had their throats cut in the same manner and with the same piece of equipment, according to police.

Duong confessed to directly murder the family of My, whereas Tien was the accomplice, according to initial investigation results.

The bloodbath allegedly stemmed from love conflict between Duong and his ex-girlfriend, Le Thi Anh Linh, the 22-year-old daughter of My.

Love revenge?

Duong and Linh were in a long romantic relationship more than four years ago, and Duong had lived in My’s villa for a while. This enabled the suspect to clearly know the routine of life of the family, as well as the inner side of the house.

However, My, one of the richest magnets in Binh Phuoc, later asked the two to end their love, apparently resulting in hatred in the suspect.

But Duong only thought of wreaking vengeance on the family after learning recently that Linh had a new boyfriend, he told police.

He thus discussed the plot with Tien, and asked for his help.

Duong told Tien that they would only force My to repay VND900 million (US$41,341) worth of debts, part of which would be given to Tien if the plot went smoothly.

However, after discussion, the two reached an agreement that they would kill people for vengeance and steal the assets as well.

Assisted by victim?

The suspects said they had been assisted by a family member, 14-year-old Du Minh Vy, a relative of My, to enter the villa and commit the crime.

Knowing that Vy was in need of money to play online games, Duong allegedly asked the boy to help him “spy” the family, so that he could direct a false robbery to My. Duong promised to give money to Vy for his assistance.

At first light on Tuesday, as discussed, Vy purportedly opened the villa gate to allow the suspects to get in.

However, shortly after entrance, Duong allegedly killed Vy with a knife, before going inside the house to kill the remaining five victims. All had their hands tied and mouths tapped.

The suspects were allegedly so frightened after the cold-blood massacre that they left the scene immediately, only stealing around VND4 million ($184) in cash.

Duong even attended the funeral of the slain victims, and became suspected by investigative police.

Nguyen Hai Duong and Le Thi Anh Linh as lovers.

On his Facebook, Duong had posted many photos showing his intimacy with Linh, as well as her family members. There are also pictures of him going holiday with the family whose six members he allegedly murdered.

His Facebook profile shows that Duong once studied at a university in Ho Chi Minh City.

As shown on his Facebook, Tien studied at a school in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City. There are many photos of the suspect gambling on this social network account.

Police are still investigating as they believe there are even more complicated causes behind the case, according to a source close toTuoi Tre.