72-year-old committed for trial over alleged murder of partner, Thi Nguyen, in Bruce

CONTENT WARNING: This article concerns an allegation of domestic violence.

The man accused of stabbing his partner to death in north Canberra last year was committed to the ACT’s higher court for trial before he questioned whether a family member was in the courtroom.

Thi Thuy Huong Nguyen was allegedly stabbed at a two-storey home in Kinloch Crescent in Bruce on 23 October 2023.

The 65-year-old’s daughter called police and emergency services allegedly arrived to find her mother with stab wounds from a knife in the kitchen before she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Van Thanh Vu, who has pleaded not guilty to murder over her death, was allegedly found with injuries to his wrists and was unresponsive.

The 70-year-old was taken to hospital and then charged several days later.

When the case was last mentioned in the ACT Magistrates Court, the court heard the now-71-year-old’s Legal Aid lawyers were exploring a defence of mental impairment.

He faced court again on Tuesday (7 May), appearing over audio-visual link from custody, wearing glasses and dressed in grey while assisted by a Vietnamese interpreter.

Magistrate Robert Cook committed him to trial, and his case’s first appearance in the Supreme Court is scheduled for 24 May.

After the magistrate asked Mr Vu if he had any questions, the latter asked if he could see if his daughter was present in the courtroom.

The prosecution questioned the “appropriateness” of this request and Magistrate Cook adjourned the matter.

Mr Vu was remanded in custody.

Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578.

Local support services include the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) on 6280 0900, and Victim Support ACT on 1800 822 272 or 6205 2022.

If this reporting has raised mental health concerns for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.