During the sentencing, Judge Andrew Lees noted the profound impact of the crime on the victim’s family, stating that the three children had „lost their loving mother.“ The emotional testimony of Hien Thi Vu’s oldest son highlighted the pain and confusion stemming from her murder.
On April 13, a man was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years for fatally stabbing his wife while she was asleep, believing she was unfaithful. The convicted individual, Hai Van Nguyen, 42, attacked mother-of-three Hien Thi Vu, 44, multiple times with a kitchen knife at their residence in Hatfield Close, located in New Cross Gate, south-east London.
Details of the Incident
Nguyen admitted to manslaughter but contested the murder charge. However, following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, he was found guilty of the more severe charge. On Monday, Judge Lees emphasized the devastating consequences of the crime for the victim’s children, who are now left without a mother.
The victim’s son expressed feelings of heartbreak and anger, stating, „It still doesn’t feel real that our mum is gone, and the way we lost her has left a deep wound.“ He also conveyed a sense of loss, saying, „Mum was the person who held our family together, and her absence is felt every single day. Nothing feels the same without her.“
Victim’s Daughter’s Struggles
In another victim impact statement, Hien Thi’s oldest daughter shared her ongoing struggle with anxiety, revealing, „My anxiety is driven by a fear that there is someone that intends to harm me. I check every corner, close every door and open closed curtains to see if there is something or someone there.“ This statement further illustrates the lasting effects of domestic violence on family members.
In the lead-up to the incident, Nguyen claimed to have become increasingly jealous, suspecting his wife of infidelity. Just hours before the attack, he pressured her to use the TfL app to validate her movements. On the morning of the murder, he stabbed her at least five times before leaving for the Lewisham police station, where he was subsequently arrested.
Ongoing Commitment to Address Violence
Detective Inspector Stephanie Dexter, who oversaw the investigation, expressed condolences for the children grieving their mother’s unexpected loss. She stated, „Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls is unwavering, and we would encourage victims to reach out to police or other support agencies to seek help. We will respond with sensitivity and ensure that they receive the necessary support while also addressing the perpetrators robustly.“
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Yan Krukau auf Pexels
