Stepfather arrested for allegedly killing 4-year-old stepdaughter after spraying water into her mouth and nose

Hanoi police have launched a murder investigation and arrested Nguyen Minh Hiep, 22, for allegedly killing his 4-year-old stepdaughter, H. Hiep is accused of brutally assaulting the child, including kinking her head between his legs and spraying water into her mouth and nose with a showerhead, leading to her death. The child's mother, Ban Thi Tam, 22, is also under investigation for her role in the prolonged abuse. The couple had been living together in a rented room in Hanoi since March 2026. According to initial investigations, the abuse was not isolated; both Hiep and Tam allegedly subjected H. to frequent beatings and starvation. Neighbors reported hearing nothing unusual due to the soundproofing of the room and the general noise from the area. However, one neighbor described seeing Hiep carrying the unconscious, soaked, and bruised child to an ambulance on May 3rd. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to consolidate evidence against both suspects.

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The police agency determined that Nguyen Minh Hiep used his legs to clamp the 4-year-old girl's cheeks, while continuously spraying water into the victim's mouth and nose with a showerhead.