A Gaithersburg man is being held without bond for allegedly stabbing his 12-year-old step-daughter to death.
Prosecutor Stephen Chaikin argued in court Wednesday that 42-year-old David R. Hang should not be released because he stabbed 12-year-old Jessica Nguyen more than 40 times in townhouse where Nguyen lived with other family members.
“He was very angry at the victim’s family,” Chaikin said.
Hang is charged with first-degree murder in Nguyen’s May 31 death. He and Nguyen’s mother were going through a contested divorce, according to officials and court papers.
Chaikin argued that Hang should not receive bond because he has lived in several other states and under different names, making him a flight risk. Montgomery County District Court Judge Patricia Mitchell agreed, ordering him to remain in custody.
Hang, appearing through a video hookup from the county jail, said he had only moved around to find work and changed his name so it would sound more American. He said his job with Montgomery County Ride-On was “the best job I’ve ever had” and he didn’t intend to move.
Sobbing, Hang also said he was a “good husband” and works hard.
An attorney will be appointed for Hang, who was arrested Tuesday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.
