Watch CBS News

Husband: Woman Shot In The Head, Killed At Nail Salon Was Not The Intended Target

BALTIMORE (WJZ) –A horrifying scene inside an East Baltimore nail salon ends with an innocent worker being shot in the head and killed. That woman's husband is now grappling with grief.

Monique Griego spoke to the woman's husband about how he tackled the gunman and held him until police arrived.

The victim's husband and son were both inside the salon when the shooting happened. She was not the intended target but was caught in the crossfire.

Quang Tran tells WJZ about the terrifying moment a gunman shot and killed his wife right before his eyes.

Truc Thi Ly Nguyen, 42, worked at the T&T Nail Salon in the 2300-block of East Monument Street.

Monday afternoon she was giving a customer a pedicure when she looked up just as the gunman ran in the shop and opened fire.

"Someone opened the door and ran in, and the other guy was chasing the other," Tran said.

Tran says the shooter was chasing an unidentified man who'd run to the back of the store.

Customers ducked for cover.

Tran's brother, who owns the salon, watched in horror as the suspect followed his target, shooting the entire way.

"The shooter guy, he was still coming. And he shoot again," said Thanh Huynh, victim's brother-in-law.

"First with the shooting I thought they were playing a joke, like fireworks or something," Tran said.

Then Tran saw his wife. She'd been shot in the head. Seeing her bleeding, he jumped up and went after the gunman.

"With my right hand side, I knock it down," Tran said.

After an intense struggle, Tran wrestled 26-year-old Tremaine Washington to the ground.

"Officers were able to subdue or take into custody a suspect with the help of some local citizens," said Lt. Col. Keith Matthews, Baltimore Police Department.

Nguyen later died at the hospital. A tragic ending for a woman family members say loved her work and the community she did it in.

"She liked working here in the city because the people are friendly, doesn't matter what country you are from. But still they respect everybody," Tran said.

The man who was running away from the gunman was shot in the back and stomach. He hasn't been identified but is said to be listed in critical condition.

Washington faces a list of charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and handgun violations.

If you would like information on how you can help Nguyen's family, click here.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.