13-05-2025
Texas Man Killed Mother After 'Vivid Dream' About World War, Police Say
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A man stabbed his mother to death and bludgeoned his father with a dumbbell on Mother's Day after having a "vivid dream" about a world war, says Houston police.
Bao Hoang Dinh, 36, was arrested on May 11 after allegedly attacking both of his parents with a "large knife." His mother was pronounced dead in the hospital, and his father is in stable condition.
Newsweek reached out to the Harris County Public Defender's Office via email for comment.
The Context
Dinh is facing charges of murder and aggravated assault of a family member. If found guilty of murder, he could face the death penalty.
According to court records, Dinh has been granted a mental health evaluation. His mental state will likely play a large role in the case.
Bao Hoang Dinh's booking photo.
Bao Hoang Dinh's booking photo.
Houston Police Department
What To Know
Dinh was arrested after police responded to an early morning call about a man with a knife in the front yard of Dinh's family home.
When law enforcement arrived, they found the victims with multiple stab wounds, according to the police report. Dinh was arrested at 6:45 am on May 11.
According to the affidavit, Dinh attacked his parents after having a dream that he had to kill them to prevent a global war.
The affidavit said that Dinh confessed to several crimes committed that morning. It states: "The defendant says he went to his father's room and struck him repeatedly with a dumbbell." He also said he used a knife to attack his father and mother, according to police.
According to police, Dinh confessed to trying to stab his father in the neck in the hopes of cutting his artery. When his father called out to his mother, Dinh found her on the stairs and admitted to stabbing her as well. The names of his parents have not been released.
His bail is currently set at $1,00,000, as the police have determined that Dinh is a "high risk to others."
Dinh is being represented by Yusuf Ghanem Bavi, a public defender. He did not appear in court for his first hearing on the evening of May 11.
Dinh's mother is not the only person to die on May 11 in the Houston area. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office (HSCO) also announced the death of Eduardo Alfaro Jr., who was shot multiple times while meeting up with his mother. His step-brother, Charles Storey, has been charged with his murder.
What People Are Saying
The police affidavit on Bao Hoang Dinh's arrest: "Defendant said he had a vivid dream that explained to him that he had to kill his parents to prevent a global world war."
What Happens Next
Dinh's next hearing is set for May 13. His mental evaluation was held on May 12.
