Friends and relatives of Vietnamese-American student Angelina Tran were shocked and saddened to learn that she was stabbed more than 100 times by her stepfather for trying to protect her mother.
"She was a gem, and we are deeply saddened by her loss. Angelina's passing leaves a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her," reads a post on a fundraising campaign run by family and friends in memory of Angelina Tran. "Her radiant smile was a source of endless joy."
Angelina Tran, 21, a Vietnamese-American student at the University of Washington in Washington state, was stabbed 107 times by her stepfather Nghiep Kein Chau, 54, on August 7 while trying to protect her mother from the man's beatings, US media reported on August 25.
Hai Trieu Tran, who organized the fundraising campaign, said Angelina Tran loved and sympathized with the elderly and wanted to support them in any way she could. "In our pain and loss, we believe Angelina would want us to stay strong and keep smiling," Hai Trieu Tran wrote.
Victor Balta, a spokesman for the University of Washington, said they were "shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Angelina's murder." "Our thoughts are with Angelina's family and loved ones," Balta said.
Vietnamese-American student Angelina Tran. Photo: NY Post
Funds raised in Angelina's memorial campaign will go to the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging to "honor Angelina's spirit and commitment to making a difference in the lives of seniors."
A friend said she worked with Anglenia Tran on a group project and appreciated her kindness and enthusiasm. "I applaud her courage in standing up for her mother against her abuser," the friend wrote.
Julie Kientz, a professor at the University of Washington, said Tran was very active in scientific research activities aimed at supporting the community.
"She was also active in groups, including the Vietnamese Student Association. Angelina's teachers told me that she was an excellent student and passionate about research. I will miss this student very much," said Professor Kientz.
Chau was charged with murder and is being held at the King County Correctional Center on $5 million bail. Chau’s trial was scheduled for August 23 but has been postponed to August 31.
Chau told police that he had lived with Tran’s mother for 19 years and had only married her last year. He had argued with his wife because he thought she was going to divorce him and take his money. Chau said he attacked Tran because he was angry that she had intervened to protect his mother, and he said he would kill his wife if he found her before police arrived.
Dr. Deirdre Bowen, director of the Family Law Center at Seattle University, said that Angelina Tran's tragedy is partly a reflection of the domestic violence situation in the United States. According to statistics from the American Journal of Public Health , 20% of victims of domestic violence-related homicides are people who intervene.
“The Tran murder is a tragic story that shows how terrifying domestic violence can become,” said Dr Bowen.
Huyen Le (According to King5 , NY Post )
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