Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Angelina Tran, a 21-year-old student at the University of Washington, was fatally stabbed more than 100 times after she allegedly tried to shield her mother from her enraged stepfather's attack.
The college student was found dead at around 5 am on August 7 when Seattle police responded to the report of an assault in the 5300 block of 31st Avenue South in Beacon Hill.
Upon their arrival, officers found Tran's mother with horrific injuries on her face.
As deputies entered the residence, the victim’s stepfather, Nghiep Kein Chau, 54, came down the staircase holding a large kitchen knife, which he dropped on their order and was subsequently taken into custody, as per the New York Post.
Why did Nghiep Kein Chau kill Angelina Tran?
Angelina Tran apparently awoke early on August 7 after hearing sounds of struggle in her family home, proceeding toward the kitchen to find that Chau had punched her mother more than 12 times.
She immediately decided to put herself in between the two and grabbed Chau to shield her mother. As they struggled, the mother managed to escape and fled to call 911 while Tran held Chau in a desperate attempt to prevent him from following her.
The situation quickly escalated after the two fell on the ground, tussling. After a while, Chau supposedly dragged Tran toward the cabinets and started stabbing her with a kitchen knife.
As the victim tried to stand up and possibly flee, the stepfather continued to stab her until she fell to the ground. He reportedly stabbed Tran a total of 107 times.
The charging documents state that Chau stopped the stabbing spree several times, including once to change his clothes and another time to grab a different knife, according to the New York Post.
Moreover, home security footage shows Chau searching for his wife after he killed Tran. After deputies arrived at the residence, they found the stepfather still holding the knife with blood on his clothes before he allegedly admitted, "I killed somebody."
What are the charges against Nghiep Kein Chau?
Nghiep Kein Chau was arrested at the scene and was later charged with first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. He is currently held at the King County Correctional Facility on a $5 million bond after prosecutors claimed that he is a danger to the community.
Before being charged, the killer allegedly told investigators that he had been "bickering" with his wife, with whom he had been married 19 years.
He also apparently confessed to hitting Tran's mother out of fear that she was going to divorce him and take his money.
As per court documents, the stepfather later claimed that he became angry when Tran intervened and said he would have killed his wife if he had found her before the cops arrived.
Angelina Tran's friends and family remember her as a passionate student
Angelina Tran’s friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging.
"The pain of her absence is profound as she was a gem of a human being. The impact she had on all those fortunate enough to know her was significant," reads the description of the campaign.
It added, "Her radiant smile was a source of immense joy, and though the ache of her loss is deep, we believe Angelina would want us to stand strong and keep our smiles bright."
The University of Washington also remembered Tran, saying was passionate about designing for accessibility and inclusivity.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the killing of Angelina Tran," said Victor Balta, the university spokesperson, as per FOX13.
He continued, "Our hearts go out to Angelina's family and loved ones. Counselors and other resources are available for students, faculty, and staff, and we encourage those in need to use them for support during this very difficult time."
