Vo Thi My Linh, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday for the murder of a six-month-old boy at her nursery in Ho Chi Minh City. The court found Linh guilty of repeatedly striking the infant on the head, leading to his death. She was also ordered to pay nearly VND 500 million (around US$20,200) in compensation to the victim’s family.
Linh, a former unemployed woman, had been offering childcare services at her home in Binh Tan District, advertising her services on Facebook. In early January 2023, a couple entrusted their six-month-old son to her care. However, on January 10, 2023, while changing the child’s diaper, Linh became frustrated by his crying and struck him several times on the head. When the baby spat out his formula milk, she struck him again, causing him to sob.
Noticing the baby’s worsening condition, Linh called the mother, falsely claiming that the child had fallen from a hammock. As the baby’s condition deteriorated and he turned blue, Linh panicked and urged the family to rush him to the hospital. Despite undergoing surgery for a brain hemorrhage and receiving intensive care, the infant remained in a deep coma and suffered nearly complete brain damage. After seven months, he passed away in August 2023.
The baby’s father, suspecting foul play, reported the incident to the police. Linh eventually confessed to the crime during the investigation.
In court, Linh expressed deep regret, admitting that in a moment of anger, she lost control and harmed the child. She also acknowledged her lack of childcare knowledge and the fact that she was unlicensed for the job. A doctor from the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital, where the baby was treated, testified that the infant arrived in a state of clinical death and did not survive despite efforts to save him. A forensic expert also confirmed that the blows to the head caused the brain injury leading to the child’s death.
The court emphasized the severity of Linh’s actions, particularly as the victim was a vulnerable infant dependent on her care. Although Linh had some mitigating factors, such as a sincere confession and a previously good character, the impact of her actions warranted a harsh sentence.
