The Police Agency of the southern province of Dong Nai has arrested Nguyen Thi Hong Bich, 38, residing in Vinh Thanh Commune, Nhon Trach District, on charges of murder.

According to preliminary investigations, Bich lived with her brother’s family in their home in Son Ha Hamlet, Vinh Thanh Commune, Nhon Trach District. Frequent conflicts and disputes arose within the household.

On June 22, upon seeing her nephew named T studying alone, Bich placed cyanide into a capsule and gave it to him. As a result, T. fell into a coma and lost consciousness. Fortunately, family members discovered him in time and rushed him to Le Van Thinh Hospital in Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, where he received emergency treatment.

Tests conducted at the hospital revealed the presence of cyanide in T's body. Subsequently, the family reported to authorities about the unusual deaths of five family members, all exhibiting similar symptoms.

At the police station, Bich admitted to using cyanide to poison three other family members from October 2023 to June 2024, resulting in their deaths. Among the deceased were Bich's husband and two nephews.

Following Bich's confession, authorities searched her residence and seized several related items. Bich also disclosed the location of a white plastic bottle weighing approximately 0.7 kg, which she had hidden in a nearby cemetery. The contents of the bottle were identified as highly toxic potassium cyanide.

The Dong Nai Provincial Police have stated that this is only the initial statement from the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hoang Anh