Police say 38-year-old David Nguyen has been charged with murder and concealment in the death of his 72-year-old mother, Terrie Nguyen, who was found at her O'Fallon home on Dec. 27. Court filings allege he suffocated her by striking her and placing plastic wrap over her nose and mouth, then tried to cause an explosion by turning on unlit gas burners and leaving a lit candle inside. David fled the state, crashed while being pursued on I-70 in Missouri and was treated at a hospital before being taken into custody; he now awaits extradition to St. Clair County.
Illinois Man Charged With Murder After Allegedly Killing 72-Year-Old Mother, Trying To Blow Up Her Home
O'Fallon Police Department/Facebook; FOX 2 St. Louis/YouTubeDavid Nguyen
An Illinois man has been formally charged after police say his 72-year-old mother was found dead at her O'Fallon home and an attempt was made to conceal the crime by triggering a house explosion.
Terrie Nguyen was discovered during a well-being check at her residence on the 1300 block of Bossler Lane on Dec. 27. Authorities determined her death was the result of suspicious circumstances involving violence.
O'Fallon Police Department/FacebookDavid Nguyen
Allegations and Charges
On Jan. 31, the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office charged 38-year-old David Nguyen with one count of murder/intent to kill or injure and one count of concealment of homicidal death, the O'Fallon Police Department (OPD) said in a news release.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to court documents cited by the Belleville News-Democrat, prosecutors allege that David struck Terrie Nguyen in the face and placed plastic wrap over her nose and mouth, causing suffocation. They further allege he then attempted to hide her body and cause an explosion by turning on unlit gas burners and leaving a lit candle inside the house.
Missouri State Highway Patrol/FacebookPursuit and arrest of David Nguyen by the O'Fallon Police Department
Flight, Pursuit and Arrest
David was identified as a person of interest and attempted to flee the state. Police located him on Interstate 70 near Concordia, Missouri, later that day. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports he tried to evade troopers and crashed at mile marker 51; he was taken to a local hospital for treatment and initially charged with felony fleeing before being handed over to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.
OPD Statement: "We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and all assisting Missouri agencies for their swift and professional cooperation, which enabled an efficient resolution to this investigation."
David remains in custody at the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department pending extradition to St. Clair County, Illinois. PEOPLE has contacted the OPD for further comment.
Community Response
Terrie Nguyen reportedly worked at a nail salon in Collinsville. Customers and community members have posted tributes on social media honoring her memory.
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