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The Edmonton New Year’s Nightmare: Phu Lam’s Bloody Massacre
On New Year’s Day 2014, the city of Edmonton, Alberta, was rocked by one of the most horrifying mass murders in Canadian history. Phu Lam, a 59-year-old man, killed eight people, including his wife and young son, before taking his own life. This shocking act of violence left a lasting scar on the community and raised many questions about the man behind the massacre and the events that led to such a tragic outcome.
The Victims
Phu Lam’s rampage claimed the lives of:
- Thuy Tien Truong, Lam’s estranged wife, 35 years old
- Elvis Lam, their 8-year-old son
- Thanh Ha Thi Truong, Tien’s sister, 33 years old
- Valentina Nguyen, Ha’s daughter, 3years old
- Van Dang Truong, Father of Thuy Tien and Ha Truong, 55 years old
- Thi Dau Le, Mother of Tien, 55 years old
- Viet Nguyen, Tien’s new boyfriend, 41 years old
After carrying out the murders, Lam drove to another residence in Edmonton; the home of David Lu and his wife Cyndi Duong. Cyndi, the daughter of one of Phu Lam’s enemies, he shot and killed her when her father wasn’t at her home.
The Crime
Phu Lam began his killing spree at the home he once shared with his wife and her family. Armed with a stolen handgun, he methodically targeted his estranged wife and members of her extended family. Most of the victims were found in their beds, suggesting that they were attacked while sleeping and unable to defend themselves.
After committing these heinous acts, Lam drove to the residence of Cyndi Duong where he killed her in front of her children. It is believed to be retribution for a decades-old feud with Duong’s father. Finally, he drove to a Vietnamese restaurant owned by his former common-law wife, where he was working as a maintenance man servicing equipment in her kitchen at the time. Then, using the same gun to take his own life, and was later discovered by police.
Impact on the Community
The Phu Lam murders left the Edmonton community in shock and mourning. Candles and flowers lined the sidewalks near the crime scenes, as neighbors and friends struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy. Authorities highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and mental health issues to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Remembering the Victims
In the wake of the Edmonton mass murder of 2014, friends and community members focused on honoring the victims rather than the perpetrator. The families were described as kind, hardworking, and deeply connected to their community. Little Elvis, at just eight years old, was remembered for being a quiet and kind student. Valentina was only three. Phu Lam and Tien Truong’s one year old daughter was spared, as was Ha’s eight-month-old baby.
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