Oberlin Professor’s Son Asked Stranger to Record Video of Them — Then Confessed to Murdering Dad, Stepmom: Police

In a shocking turn of events in Oberlin, Ohio, two individuals have been found dead, allegedly at the hands of their own child. Pipo Nguyen-Duy, a well-respected art professor, and his wife, Tran Thi Phong, were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in their residence on 28 October. Their 31-year-old child, Asia Nguyen-Duy, has been charged with the murders, having reportedly confessed to law enforcement that they were responsible for the tragic incident.

Pipo Nguyen-Duy, 64, had a significant impact on the community as an arts professor at Oberlin College. Originally a Vietnamese refugee who arrived in the United States at the tender age of 13, Nguyen-Duy was dedicated not only to his craft but also to his students, recently postponing his retirement to further serve in his role as the chair of the college’s art department.

Reports suggest that prior to the discovery of the bodies, police encountered Asia Nguyen-Duy in a dishevelled state, with visible injuries on their arms and face. While engaging with law enforcement, Asia reportedly admitted to having killed their parents and directed authorities to the location of the deceased. This revelation led to the swift allocation of officers who confirmed the presence of the bodies shortly thereafter.

Before leading authorities to the scene, Asia is alleged to have approached a local resident, asking her to film a video for online sharing. In this video, Asia claimed to be escaping from a cult and asserted that their actions were voluntary, declaring, “Everything I did was on my own accord, and I take full responsibility.”

In a troubling prelude to these events, law enforcement had earlier discovered Asia’s car abandoned and smouldering in a nearby area. The vehicle, which had a boarded-up window, contained several personal items, including a passport, wallet, and ammunition, all of which were later confirmed to belong to Asia.

Pipo Nguyen-Duy’s legacy as a passionate educator has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from former students, who took to social media to honour his memory. One memorial note highlighted his self-identification as “bụi đời,” a Vietnamese phrase meaning “dust of life,” symbolising a free spirit and wanderer. This sentiment resonated deeply with his students, many of whom recalled his nurturing and challenging teaching style.

Asia Nguyen-Duy has been formally charged with multiple counts, including six counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault, and one count of tampering with evidence. They have entered a plea of not guilty and are currently held on a bond of $3 million. Legal representation for Asia has yet to provide a public statement regarding the case.

As the investigation continues, the local community is left grappling with the implications of this tragic act. The emotional toll is profound, and mental health professionals encourage anyone struggling with similar issues to reach out for help. Resources are available, including a 24/7 hotline for those in need of support.

This incident underscores the often hidden complexities of familial relationships and raises questions about mental health and crisis intervention, which are paramount as the community seeks to heal from this horrifying event. The full details surrounding the motivations and circumstances leading up to the tragedy remain a focus for law enforcement as they work to advocate for the victims and their legacy.

In the days and weeks to come, authorities will continue to investigate all angles of this case, seeking justice for Pipo and Tran Thi Phong, who were both well-known and loved in their community.