Oberlin Professor and Wife Killed; Their Child Faces Charges

October 30, 2026

Pipo Nguyen-Duy, a longtime Oberlin College professor and photographer, and his spouse, Tran Thi Phong, died from gunshot wounds at their home on October 28. Police discovered them during a welfare check after officers arrested their child, 31-year-old Asia Nguyen-Duy, also known as Daniel Jones.

The investigation began with a report of a smoldering Toyota hatchback in a parking lot near Oberlin College’s conservatory. The car had Oregon plates and was registered to Jones. Police found ammunition and identification inside, then took Asia Nguyen-Duy into custody nearby after a resident reported a disheveled person at her door. Prosecutors told the court that Asia Nguyen-Duy admitted killing their family and directed officers to the home. The weapon has not been found.

Asia Nguyen-Duy is charged with six murders, four assaults classified as felonies and a single evidence-tampering count. A judge set bail at $3 million during an October 29 court appearance. The case has been transferred to Lorain County Common Pleas Court and is expected to go before a grand jury. Police have not disclosed a motive.

Nguyen-Duy taught studio art and photography at Oberlin from 1998 and was recognized for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship. The college paused or changed some studio art classes and displayed his photography as a place for the campus community to gather. A memorial tribute is also being planned.