Florida Father Forgives Killer Convicted of Murdering His 10-Year-Old Son

Hai Vu testifies at sentencing hearing of Anthawn Ragan, who pleaded guilty to killing Vu's son Aaron in 2013 robbery

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a South Florida courtroom, Hai Vu, the father of 10-year-old Aaron Vu who was fatally shot during a 2013 robbery at the family's Miami nail salon, testified at the sentencing trial of Anthawn Ragan, the man convicted of Aaron's murder. Despite the immense pain of losing his son, Vu expressed forgiveness for Ragan, saying "I know that's what my son would have wanted me to do." Ragan, who was 19 at the time of the crime, is now facing a possible death sentence for Aaron's murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex emotions surrounding tragic crimes, as a grieving father finds the strength to forgive his son's killer. It also raises questions about the death penalty and whether it is an appropriate punishment, even for the most heinous of crimes.

The details

On November 22, 2013, two armed men robbed Hai Vu's family-owned nail salon, Hong Kong Nails, in Miami. During the robbery, one of the men fired two shots, striking both Hai and his 10-year-old son Aaron, who died from his injuries. Anthawn Ragan, who was 19 at the time, has pleaded guilty to Aaron's murder. At Ragan's sentencing trial, Hai Vu testified about the immense pain of losing his son, but also expressed forgiveness for Ragan, saying "I know that's what my son would have wanted me to do." Ragan is now facing a possible death sentence for the crime.

  • On November 22, 2013, two armed men robbed the Vu family's nail salon and fatally shot 10-year-old Aaron Vu.
  • On Monday, February 9, 2026, Hai Vu testified at Anthawn Ragan's sentencing trial.
  • The sentencing trial has been continued to Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Hai Vu

The father of 10-year-old Aaron Vu, who was killed in the 2013 robbery of the family's nail salon.

Anthawn Ragan

The man who pleaded guilty to the murder of 10-year-old Aaron Vu during a 2013 robbery in Miami, and is now facing a possible death sentence.

Aaron Vu

The 10-year-old son of Hai Vu who was fatally shot during a 2013 robbery at the family's nail salon.

Tony Moss

The attorney representing Anthawn Ragan in his sentencing trial.

Scott Warfman

The assistant state attorney arguing in favor of a death sentence for Anthawn Ragan.

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What they’re saying

“I can't explain to you how much the pain is.”

— Hai Vu, Father of Aaron Vu (Miami Herald)

“We used to be a happy family. We don't celebrate any more holidays.”

— Hai Vu, Father of Aaron Vu (Miami Herald)

“I forgive him. I know that's what my son would have wanted me to do.”

— Hai Vu, Father of Aaron Vu (CBS News)

“The defendant was the menace of Northwest Seventh Avenue, robbing people, killing people … a reign of terror until he got caught.”

— Scott Warfman, Assistant State Attorney (WPLG)

“If the death penalty, at least in theory, is to be reserved for the worst-of-the-worst offenses, committed by the worst-of-the-worst offenders, the record conclusively establishes that [Ragan's] crimes, as tragic and senseless as they were, do not rise to the level at which only the death penalty is an adequate response.”

— Tony Moss, Attorney for Anthawn Ragan (Sentencing Memorandum)

What’s next

It is up to Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez to decide whether to sentence Anthawn Ragan to death or life in prison for the murder of 10-year-old Aaron Vu.

The takeaway

This case highlights the profound impact of violent crime on families, as well as the complex moral questions surrounding the death penalty. Hai Vu's act of forgiveness, despite his immense grief, offers a powerful example of compassion and resilience in the face of tragedy.