They are ‘most violent and cowardly people I have come across’ says cop
The detective who led the investigation into the murder of QuyenNgocNuyensaidhertwo killers are probably the “most violentandcowardlyindividuals” he has come across in his decades in the police force.
Following the conclusion of the case, Northumbria Police’s Detective Inspector Ed Small spoke of how the killers left “overwhelming evidence” as to their involvement in the 28-year-old’s murder.
“These men are probably two of the most violent and cowardly individuals I have come across in 25 years in the police,” said Det Insp Small.
“Theyhavetargetedvulnerablepeopleandhaveshownno remorse whatsoever for their actions.Hopefully, they will never harm anyone again.”
The trial heard that Unwin and McFall, who were both already convicted murderers and met while serving life sentences, kept Miss Nuyen captive at a house for four hours where she was tortured and forced to hand over bank details.
Unwin, 40, told jurors he left McFall, 51 and known as John, alone with the victim at his home while he went to the shop for cigarettes and that the nail salon worker looked “dead” when he got back.
Unwin said he was in a relationship with the victim, who leased out rental properties and would hire him to do odd jobs, and had nothing to do with her death.
DetInspSmalladdedthatin the days following the murder, the evidence gathered pointed to the two men killing her.
“The evidence in this case wasoverwhelmingandthetwo killers would never have fallen below the radar,” said Det Insp Small.
“The most compelling of thiswastheCCTVfootagefrom Unwin’s next door neighbour.
“It shows the victim arrivingandlaterhowtheyremoved her body from the address.
“There was also a lot of forensic evidence and I have to thank the local community for their help in this case.”
Det Insp Small also paid tribute to the strength shown by Miss Nuyen’s family since her death.
“Her parents are not in the country and haven’t been able to travel here for the trial.
“ButQuyen’ssisterhasbeen in court throughout the trial, which must have been heartbreakingforhertogothrough.
“She has shown great strength.”