Angelina Tran, a 21-year-old from the University of Washington, tragically died on August 7 while attempting to protect her mother from her stepfather at their Beacon Hill, Seattle home.
The event unfolded when Tran became aware of a disturbance in the house. Her stepfather, 54-year-old Nghiep Kein Chau, was assaulting Tran’s mother in the kitchen, as per official documents. Tran stepped in to assist, leading to increased hostility from Chau.
Tran’s mother managed to call for emergency assistance as Tran confronted Chau, who proceeded to stab the young woman 107 times, continuing even after she was dead. Home security recorded Chau pausing his assault, changing clothes, and switching knives.
Responding officers arrived around 5 am, encountering an injured mother, Tran murdered, and Chau, knife in hand. He was taken into custody and acknowledged the offense, saying he thought his wife was going to divorce him and take his money.
Chau is currently facing legal consequences and is held on a substantial bond of $5 million. His arraignment is scheduled for August 31.
Following the incident, a fundraiser was organized in Tran’s name for the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging.
