Oberlin, Ohio — A college professor and his wife were found shot dead inside their home in Oberlin after a 31-year-old suspect allegedly approached a stranger’s door with scratches on their face and asked the resident to record a video, according to prosecutors.
Asia Nguyen-Duy is facing multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence, in connection with the deaths of their father, 64-year-old Pipo Nguyen-Duy, and stepmother, 56-year-old Tran Thi Phong.
The case has drawn attention after prosecutors described an alleged confession, a disturbing video recorded at a neighbor’s home and the discovery of the victims inside their residence.
What Happened in the Oberlin Double Homicide?
The Oberlin Police Department said an incident believed to be domestic in nature occurred Wednesday morning. Authorities reported that the investigation involved a vehicle parked near the Oberlin Conservatory and a residence on South Pleasant Street.
Oberlin, located approximately 35 miles southwest of Cleveland, is home to Oberlin College, where Pipo Nguyen-Duy worked as a professor of studio art and photography.
According to reports, the Oberlin Fire Department initially contacted police after a vehicle near the college conservatory was found smoking.
When officers arrived, they reportedly discovered a 17-round Glock magazine and two 9 mm rounds. Investigators subsequently learned that Asia Nguyen-Duy was the registered owner of the vehicle.
The investigation soon expanded to a nearby residential area as authorities received information about a person who appeared disheveled and had visible injuries.
Suspect Allegedly Asked Neighbor to Record a Video
One of the most significant details emerged during the court hearing, when prosecutor Zachary Simonoff described the suspect’s alleged actions before police made contact.
According to Simonoff, Asia Nguyen-Duy knocked on a stranger’s door that same morning and asked the person who answered to record a video. The prosecutor told the court that the suspect did not want police involved.
During the recording, the suspect allegedly identified themselves as Asia Nguyen-Duy, claimed to be escaping a cult and made a statement accepting responsibility for their actions.
Simonoff quoted the statement as:
“Everything I did was on my own accord and I take full responsibility,”
The video reportedly became part of the information presented during the court proceedings.
Police Say Suspect Admitted to Killing Family
Officers later responded to a home on Shipherd Circle after receiving a report about a wet, disheveled person. According to authorities, Asia Nguyen-Duy had scratches on their face and injuries to their arm and hand.
During the encounter, the suspect allegedly told officers that they had killed their family and provided an address on South Pleasant Street.
That location is less than a mile from Shipherd Circle. Prosecutor Simonoff told the judge that officers went to the South Pleasant Street residence and discovered two people dead.
Both victims appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds, and investigators found blood throughout the house, according to the prosecutor’s account.
Police subsequently arrested the suspect in connection with the killings.
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Murder Investigation Continues as Evidence Remains Missing
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and collect evidence.
According to the information presented in court, authorities have apparently not located the firearm believed to have been used in the shootings.
A fanny pack that the suspect was reportedly wearing around the time of the alleged attack also remains missing.
These items could be important to investigators as they work to establish a clearer timeline and determine exactly what happened inside the residence.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the alleged killings.
Suspect’s Family and Court Proceedings
During the investigation, authorities reportedly contacted Asia Nguyen-Duy’s mother in Oregon. According to reports, she told investigators that her child was experiencing a mental health crisis and needed medication.
The statement was included in the information discussed during the case, but officials have not publicly established a connection between it and the alleged killings.
Asia Nguyen-Duy appeared in court, where the judge ordered the suspect to be held on a $3 million bond.
Court records reviewed by Law&Crime show that the charges include multiple counts of murder and felonious assault, along with tampering with evidence.
According to local reporting, the defendant changed their name from Daniel Jones in 2025 and identifies as gender neutral. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
What Happens Next in the Ohio Case?
The case now moves forward through the legal process as prosecutors pursue the charges against Asia Nguyen-Duy. Investigators still face unanswered questions about the missing firearm, the reported fanny pack and the circumstances leading up to the shootings.
The deaths of Pipo Nguyen-Duy and Tran Thi Phong have also raised questions about what happened inside the South Pleasant Street home before officers arrived. For now, authorities have not announced a confirmed motive, and further details may emerge as court proceedings continue.
What questions do you think investigators still need to answer in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
