94-Year-Old Bay Area Man’s Death Initially Believed Natural, Now Ruled Homicide, Son-In-Law Arrested [WATCH]

Authorities in Northern California say a 94-year-old man, initially believed to have died from natural causes, was murdered inside his Santa Rosa vineyard estate by his son-in-law, as reported by The New York Post.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Sy Van Nguyen, who was found dead in his home on August 11. His son-in-law, 71-year-old Khanh Trong Tran, was the person who first reported him unresponsive.

Emergency crews at the scene determined there were no signs of trauma or foul play, and Nguyen’s body was released to his family.

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Four days later, however, Nguyen’s son contacted deputies with evidence from a security camera inside the residence. According to the sheriff’s office, the video showed Tran suffocating Nguyen with a plastic bag and pillow.

Sgt. Juan Valencia told ABC7:

“This is a straight-up, cold malice murder.”

Detectives arrested Tran on August 16, one day after reviewing the video evidence. Valencia said the suspect admitted to carrying out the killing and told investigators that he did it because he was “tired of providing for his father-in-law.”

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Tran lived on the property with Nguyen and was taken into custody on suspicion of murder. He is currently being held without bail at the Sonoma County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15.

Neighbors in the hillside community expressed shock at the news. Rod Burglund, who described Tran as an acquaintance, told ABC7, “There’s got to be alternatives than coming to this.

A California man was arrested for allegedly killing his 94-year-old father-in-law, investigators say.

The elderly man’s death was initially determined to be from natural causes, until a family member found security footage showing otherwise. pic.twitter.com/OcbJbozIB4

— ABC News (@ABC) August 20, 2025

You know most of the people in the neighborhood, Ken was always doing his own thing, a walking acquaintance. I made wine from his grapes one year. To me he seemed like an aboveboard kind of guy.”

Authorities say the security footage was the turning point in shifting the investigation from a presumed natural death to a homicide case. Detectives confirmed that Tran confessed during questioning following his arrest.

The case has drawn significant attention in the Bay Area, not only because of the unusual circumstances but also because of the victim’s age and the family ties involved.

Sheriff’s officials said the investigation is ongoing as they continue to review evidence and prepare for upcoming court proceedings.

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