California Man, 94, Allegedly Murdered by Son-in-Law Who Was ‘Tired of Providing’ for Him

An elderly man was reported unresponsive in his hilltop vineyard mansion. Authorities initially believed his death was from natural causes

Authorities in California say a 94-year-old man, initially believed to have died of natural causes inside his luxury vineyard mansion, was actually murdered by his 71-year-old son-in-law.

The victim, identified as Sy Van Nguyen, was found dead on August 11 inside his Santa Rosa hilltop home after his son-in-law, Khanh Trong Tran, reported him unresponsive, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. First responders found no visible signs of trauma and initially released Nguyen’s body to his family.

Neighbor Rod Burglund said the 94-year-old mostly kept to himself, and he was stunned to learn that Tran — whom he knew as “Ken” — was responsible for the murder.

However, on August 15, Nguyen’s son provided deputies with evidence that suggested his father’s death was intentional. Surveillance footage from inside the victim’s room allegedly showed Tran placing a plastic bag and pillow over Nguyen’s face, suffocating him. Detectives described the act as a calculated killing.

“This is a straight-up, cold malice murder,” Sgt. Juan Valencia said.

The suspect, Khanh Trong Tran, lived on the same property as his father-in-law in a separate residence. He allegedly told detectives that he was 'tired of providing' for Sy Van Nguyen

Tran, who lived on the property, was arrested on August 16 and charged with murder. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to the killing, telling investigators that he acted because he was “tired of providing for his father-in-law.”

The shocking case has unsettled residents of the quiet, upscale neighborhood. Neighbor Rod Burglund said he was stunned to learn of the incident. “There’s got to be alternatives than coming to this,” he remarked, recalling that Tran, whom he knew as “Ken,” seemed like an ordinary acquaintance and even once shared grapes with him for winemaking.

Tran is currently being held without bond at the Sonoma County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15.