GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Montgomery County prosecutors say they may have found a motive in the slaying of a 12-year-old Maryland girl killed with a small sword in May.
Details of a sham marriage between Jessica Nguyen's Vietnamese mother and suspect David Hang emerged in court Wednesday, The Washington Post reported. Prosecutors allege Hang, 42, married Jessica's mother in 2006 to help her gain U.S. citizenship and could not get out of the marriage after he began another relationship.
He filed for divorce in October 2010 and his wife hired a lawyer claiming he had committed adultery. Jessica was not his biological daughter.
"The defendant was angry with victim Jessica Nguyen's family," said prosecutor Stephen Chaikin.
Hang, a Montgomery transit bus driver, denied the allegation as he watched the trial on a live video feed from the county jail, where he is being held without bail on a first-degree murder charge, the newspaper said.
"I'm a good husband. I work hard," he added.
Jessica was found cut and stabbed with small sword May 31 at a townhouse where she lived with extended family. Prosecutors said Hang used to live at the address and at one point had a key to the townhouse.
Prosecutors said Hang's DNA was found on a sheath for the sword recovered near his step-daughter's body.
