Authorities in northern Vietnam are investigating a shocking case involving two eighth-grade students after one allegedly stabbed his classmate multiple times and pushed him into a lake following a schoolyard dispute.
According to the Lao Cai Provincial Police, the incident occurred on November 5 near the Children’s Cultural House lake in Yen Bai Ward, Lao Cai City. Around 3:35 p.m., after classes ended, 13-year-old student V.T.Đ. confronted his classmate N.L.T., both from Quang Trung Secondary School, to settle a personal conflict.
Police said the two had been involved in ongoing disputes during class, with T. frequently teasing and verbally insulting Đ.’s parents. Despite intervention by teachers and parents, the conflict persisted.
Earlier that day, Đ. reportedly hid a small fruit knife in his school bag after lunch, intending to confront T.
When the two met near the lake, Đ. demanded that his classmate stop the insults. After T. refused, Đ. attacked him with the knife, striking multiple times in the back and shoulders before pushing him into the water.
Fortunately, nearby witnesses rescued the victim and rushed him to Lao Cai General Hospital, where his condition has since stabilized.
“The boy’s actions showed clear intent to end another person’s life,” Lao Cai Police said, noting that the case bears signs of the crime of “murder” under Vietnamese law.
However, because Đ. is only 13 years and 6 months old, he is below the age of criminal responsibility and cannot be charged as an adult. Police are continuing to gather evidence and will apply appropriate legal and educational measures under juvenile protection laws.
The case has stunned local residents and educators. The principal of Quang Trung Secondary School expressed deep regret, saying the two boys were known to be close friends and often played together.
“We are shocked — they were classmates and got along well. None of us expected something so tragic,” the school principal said.
Context: Rising Concerns About Youth Violence in Vietnam
This incident adds to growing concerns about school-related violence in Vietnam, where reports of bullying, physical fights, and online harassment among students have increased in recent years.
Experts have called for greater mental health support and conflict resolution education in schools to prevent such tragedies among young students.
Related
Source: Vietnam Insider