Đắk Lắk (Vietnam) Tragedy: Suspect Caught with Drugs, Young Neighbor Saves Child

A horrifying family tragedy shook Đắk Lắk Province, Vietnam, leaving three people dead and one child badly injured. Yet amid the violence, a story of courage emerged: a 12-year-old neighbor boy risked his life to save a bleeding friend.

Midnight Attack

Police say the suspect, Nguyễn Nam Đại Thuận (37), stormed into his wife’s family home around 1 a.m. on September 13. Armed with a hammer and knives, he fatally attacked his wife, his mother-in-law, and his brother-in-law. He also stabbed his wife’s 12-year-old son, who managed to escape by climbing over a two-meter wall.

The suspect, Nguyễn Nam Đại Thuận - tuoitre online

The wounded boy ran to his neighbor’s house, banging on the door. His friend—also just 12 years old—opened the back door, pulled him inside, locked it, and gave him water while the suspect pounded furiously outside. Thanks to this quick action, the injured boy survived and is now in stable condition.

“He was bleeding a lot, I could even see the bone in his arm,” the young rescuer recalled. “I locked the door and waited until the police came.”

K. recounts the terrifying moment he saved his friend at midnight.

 Inside the home, another child—a 3-year-old daughter shared by Thuận and his wife—was rescued safely by police.

Capture and Drug Discovery

After the attack, Thuận fled the scene, stealing a red Honda SH motorbike and disguising himself with women’s clothing to avoid detection. By 8:30 a.m., police tracked him down at a vacant lot in Ea Kao Ward and arrested him.

During the arrest, officers found several small packets of white powder suspected to be drugs. According to investigators, Thuận admitted to recent drug use and even begged officers to let him take some “to ease the cravings.”

Authorities also recovered the suspected murder weapons—a hammer and a large kitchen knife—discarded near the crime scene.

Motive and Criminal Record

Initial investigations suggest the attack was fueled by jealousy and long-standing family disputes. Thuận had a history of erratic behavior, no stable job, and two prior convictions for theft and property damage. Family members of his wife had repeatedly tried to keep him away, especially after frequent violent arguments.

Community in Shock

The crime scene where the massacre left 3 dead and 1 injured.

Neighbors remain traumatized by the brutal killings. Some captured video of Thuận dragging a body and washing blood from himself before fleeing. One woman said: “I still can’t believe it. The screams and the chaos… it’s something I will never forget.”

A Glimmer of Hope

Amid the darkness of this tragedy, the bravery of one young boy offered a rare light. His courage not only saved his friend’s life but also reminded the community that even in moments of horror, acts of humanity can still shine through.