On December 17, 2024, Milpitas police conducted a welfare check at the Turing Apartments on McCandless Drive after family members reported not hearing from their loved ones for several days. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the bodies of 36-year-old Vinh Nguyen, his wife, 36-year-old Betty Pham, and their two children, a 9-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, all deceased from single gunshot wounds.
Investigators identified Vinh Nguyen as the suspect in this apparent murder-suicide. A handgun legally registered to him was found at the scene. The family had no prior reported incidents of domestic violence, though reports indicate that Nguyen and Pham were undergoing a divorce at the time. Authorities believe the tragic events likely occurred on December 14, 2024.
Both Vinh Nguyen and Betty Pham were employees of the Valley Transportation Authority. Neighbors and community members expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, noting that the family appeared to be easygoing and that such events are uncommon in the area.
In the wake of this tragedy, Milpitas police emphasized the importance of seeking support for mental health concerns, domestic violence, and gun safety. They urged individuals in distress to reach out to available resources to prevent similar incidents in the future.
