Hamilton police name homicide victims stabbed in downtown apartment

Hamilton police have identified the victims of a double homicide, who were allegedly stabbed by their son in a downtown apartment Monday afternoon.

Moui Khuu, 61, was pronounced dead in hospital and her husband Hung Vo, 67, died in the operating room after the brutal attack around 12:35 p.m. April 26 on the 13th floor of 20 George St.

Their son, 34-year-old Phuoc Hoa Vo, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

He remains in hospital in an induced coma, said Det. Sgt. Peter Thom, of the major crime unit. He is listed in stable, but serious condition.

Police released the victims' names Wednesday morning after the family, which also includes two adult daughters, were able to reach extended family.

It's alleged the father was first stabbed inside the apartment. The mother fled into the hall, where the son allegedly followed and stabbed her in an attack that was witnessed by neighbours and continued about five minutes. Then he turned the weapon on himself.

When police arrived, they found the mother and son in the hallway, by the elevator. The dad was found in their apartment. They found the knife in the hallway.

Thom said it was family trouble and a brutal" attack. Victim services have been offered to traumatized neighbours.

It's not clear what happened before the stabbing, as there were no witnesses inside the apartment. Only the son could offer that information now.

Mental health may have been a factor, police said.

Phuoc Hoa Vo was previously charged with threatening his dad with a weapon. He was given a conditional discharge last year. He was on probation with conditions that included he keep the peace, especially with his father. He was also prohibited from possessing weapons.

But despite this threatening incident, his parents accepted him back into their home. All three lived together in that 13th-floor apartment.

Little is known about their lives. Thom described the couple as very private."

The family, originally from Burlington, moved to Hamilton last year and had lived in the new building on George, between Caroline and Bay streets, for about four months.

Police, including forensic examiners, have searched the apartment. On Wednesday, Thom said that work is complete and the apartment has been released back to family. No other weapons were found in the apartment.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Lisa Chambers at 905-546-3843. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com