Russian murder suspect in Phan Thiet identified

Police from the central province announced Roman's identity Monday. He is currently under investigation for murdering 44-year-old compatriot E Vaslii, according to investigators.

Roman said he had a close relationship with the victim. On Jan. 30, at an apartment in a small alley off Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, the two had an argument regarding employment and accommodation rental, which led to a physical confrontation. Roman killed Vasilii with a hammer during the fight. He then wrapped the victim’s body in plastic and several layers of garments, and drove the body on a motorbike to a seemingly deserted rural area for disposal.

On Feb. 1, locals from beach town Phan Thiet’s Thien Nghiep Commune found Vasilii’s body on a piece of farmland.

Police then inspected nearby street camera footage and also searched the victim’s accommodation, leading them to identify Roman as the suspect. A search of Roman’s residence then revealed the motorbike he used to carry the victim. The hammer used in the murder was found at Roman’s workplace.