DETAILS IN THE ALLEGATIONS

Posted: Apr 2, 2007
Updated: Jan. 13, 2010

WAKE COUNTY — Most murders happen behind closed doors, but according to authorities, Phu Tan Nguyen murdered a man in broad daylight, in front of multiple witnesses.

On February 10, 1996, investigators told NC Wanted, 22-year-old Trieu Thanh Do met Phu Tan Nguyen and some of his friends at the Saigon Restaurant, located at 2259 New Hope Road, in Raleigh. As the two were talking, someone said something that sent tempers flaring. Witnesses said Do and Nguyen erupted into a heated argument, attracting the attention of people sitting nearby. At that point, Nguyen and his friends left the restaurant.

A few minutes later, Do exited and headed back to his car. Eyewitnesses said that as Do was walking to his car, Nguyen came out of nowhere, pulled out a gun and shot him right there in the parking lot. As Do collapsed, police say Nguyen jumped into a 1990 black Honda and sped away.

Police say Nguyen was living on Sierra Drive in Raleigh at the time of the murder. This is the same address where investigators found the black Honda Nguyen used as his getaway car.

Nguyen has family in Raleigh, but if he’s still in the area, it’s possible he could be using an alias.

If you have information on this case, call NC WANTED toll free at 1.866.43.WANTED or click on "Report a Tip" Your information will be kept confidential.

Wanted For:

Murder

Profile:

SEX: Male
ETHNICITY: Vietnamese
AGE NOW: 33
HEIGHT: 5’5”
WEIGHT: 120 lbs.
HAIR: Black
EYES: Brown

Possible vehicles: Black Honda

Last Seen:

Nguyen was last seen on October 2nd, 1996 outside the Saigon Restaurant at 2259 New Hope Church Road in Raleigh, NC.

Possible Locations:

Raleigh, NC

Authorities believe Nguyen had family in the Raleigh, NC area at the time of the incident and may still have family living in the Raleigh area.

Reward:

An undisclosed amount is being offered for information leading to Nguyen’s arrest.