Woman Pleads Guilty in Grandmother’s Killing

By Tom Jackman

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A 19-year-old Loudoun County woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in the slaying of her grandmother in a Leesburg townhouse last year.

Hanh Thi Hoang, 66, was found dead in a bedroom of her townhouse on Golden Larch Terrace on July.24, 2008, and her car was missing. Authorities have not disclosed how Hoang died. A daughter, Kim-Phuong T. Dong, 40, and a granddaughter, Julie T. Dong, 19, were arrested in Hoang’s Honda Accord in New Mexico four days later, and both were later charged with murder.

Julie Dong pleaded guilty in a hearing before Loudoun Circuit Court Judge Burke F. McCahill, and she faces 20 years to life in prison at her sentencing in January. Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney James E. Plowman did not disclose a motive for the killing. Kim-Phuong Dong has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, and no trial date has been set.

Two Pit Bulls Euthanized After Fatal Attack

The two pit bulls that killed a 20-year-old Leesburg man in his home Monday were euthanized Wednesday at the request of the victim’s family, Loudoun County animal control officials said.

Authorities confirmed Tuesday that puncture wounds consistent with dog bites killed Carter Delaney and a mixed-breed pug.

The pit bulls , two dogs, each about 4 years old, were registered to the victim’s brother.

“We are thinking of the family involved, respecting their privacy and giving them time to mourn,” said Laura Rizer, community outreach manager for Loudoun County Animal Care and Control.

The incident was the first human fatality from a dog attack in memory in Loudoun, authorities said.

Washington Post Staff Writer Dagny Salas contributed to this report.

Tagged: crime, dog, Loudoun County Circuit Court

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