Two Ottawa sisters face trial for the 2022 death of their mother. Brothers testify they endured decades of abuse, suggesting the killing was self-defence.
Trial Begins in Ottawa Courtroom
In Ottawa, a jury is hearing the case of two sisters, Chau Lam, 59, and Hue Lam, 62, accused of murdering their 88-year-old mother, Kieu Lam, in October 2022. The trial, which began earlier this month in the Superior Court of Justice, has drawn attention due to disturbing testimony about longstanding familial abuse.
Family Testifies to Alleged Abuse
This week, the sisters’ brothers testified in court, claiming the women had endured decades of verbal and physical abuse at the hands of their mother. Chahn Hyunh, 64, shared that he had long urged his sisters not to live with their mother, calling the environment toxic. “Things were getting too serious,” he said, noting that attempts to place their mother in a care facility had failed. He described their mother as controlling and emotionally abusive, calling her “the evil one” during testimony.
Details of Home Life Revealed
Another brother, Minh Hyunh, offered more details on family dynamics. He testified that their mother’s abusive behaviour—screaming, physical violence, and emotional manipulation—began in Vietnam and continued after the family immigrated to Canada. He claimed she maintained dominance over the household, and that her daughters were “very scared” of her.
Incident Leading to Death
On October 31, 2022, Ottawa police arrested the sisters after they confessed to killing their mother while she slept. Both women participated in video interviews shortly after the incident, citing years of trauma and emotional strain as the catalyst. One sister also admitted the act during a 911 call. Though their accounts largely matched, one sister denied having any remaining family.
Legal Arguments and Mental State
The defence argues that the sisters acted out of self-defence after years of enduring escalating abuse. A letter, translated by their brother and read in court, revealed suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. Meanwhile, under cross-examination, the brothers admitted to rarely witnessing physical abuse directly but asserted that psychological harm was constant and severe.
Next Steps in the Trial
Both sisters are pleading not guilty to first-degree murder. The court is expected to hear Chau Lam’s testimony later this week. The proceedings continue to raise complex questions about domestic abuse, family dynamics, and the limits of self-defence under Canadian law.
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