An Illinois man is facing murder and evidence-concealment charges after prosecutors say he killed his mother and then tried to destroy her home in an explosion to cover up the crime.
David Nguyen, 38, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death, according to a release from the O’Fallon Police Department.
Welfare check led to discovery
The investigation began on December 27, 2025, when officers conducted a welfare check at a two-story home on Bossler Lane in O’Fallon, a suburb east of St. Louis. Family members had reported they could not reach Terrie “Tracy” Nguyen, 72.
Police found her body inside the residence and immediately determined the death appeared suspicious and the result of violence.
Son identified, interstate chase followed
Investigators quickly identified Nguyen’s son as a person of interest and began searching for him. Later that afternoon, his vehicle was spotted traveling west on Interstate 70 near Concordia, Missouri.
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers attempted a traffic stop around 4:30 p.m., triggering a pursuit. Authorities say Nguyen’s gray Toyota Tacoma eventually left the roadway and crashed into a wooded area. He was taken into custody and initially charged in Missouri with felony fleeing before being held for extradition to Illinois.
Prosecutors allege suffocation, attempted explosion
According to charging documents cited by the Belleville News-Democrat, prosecutors allege Nguyen struck his mother in the face and placed plastic wrap over her nose and mouth.
Investigators further allege that after her death, Nguyen attempted to conceal the killing by turning on unlit gas burners to fill the house with gas and leaving a lit candle inside, intending to cause an explosion and fire.
Cause of death pending
Authorities say the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
“Her cause of death is undetermined,” O’Fallon Police Lt. Patrick Feldhake told local media, noting that the autopsy report is still pending.
Community remembers victim
Terrie Nguyen, known to many as “Tracy,” worked at a nail salon in nearby Collinsville and was remembered fondly by customers and community members.
“Her impact on this community was huge,” one former client wrote in a local Facebook group. “She was always smiling, always kind, always willing to be there.”
Nguyen remains in custody as the case proceeds in St. Clair County, where prosecutors have not yet disclosed a possible motive.
