What began as a confrontation over a stolen pornographic magazine at Sportsman Liquor Store in Newport Beach ended in store clerk Hao Huynh dead from traumatic brain injuries.
Today, Weston Scott Kruger, 32, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Kruger was out of custody on two other unrelated felony cases for domestic violence and residential burglary at the time of the murder.
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On July 28, 2007, Kruger walked into the liquor store on Newport Boulevard and approached the counter to buy a pack of cigarettes from Huynh. Kruger's futile attempt to hide the pornographic magazine under his shirt led to a heated argument between himself and Huynh.
Porno in hand, Kruger attempted to leave the store. Huynh followed him outside, trying to retrieve the stolen magazine.
Kruger violently shoved Huynh, causing him to “fly through the air and fall to the ground, landing on the back of his head,” according to officials.
Huynh was transported to the hospital and died the following day from injuries incurred during the confrontation, as the Weekly previously reported.
The entire incident was captured on video surveillance and Kruger was immediately apprehended.
When authorities searched his Newport Beach home, they found the porn magazine.
