December 8, 2021
(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that a jury sentenced Thong Pham, 54, of Garland, Texas to 99 years in prison after convicting him of Burglary of a Habitation. The sentence took into account Pham’s previous criminal activity, including a previous home burglary and an aggravated sexual assault of a child. “Families have the right to feel safe in their own homes,” stated Willis after sentencing. “The jury’s verdict reflects our community’s disdain for those who invade our homes, and especially for those who prey on children.”
On March 26, 2021, homeowners husband and wife were asleep in their Wylie home. Just after midnight, they were awakened by their dog barking in the living room. When they went to investigate, they found Pham—a stranger—in the foyer area of their house.
When the husband confronted the stranger, Pham stabbed him with a knife. The couple’s dog then attacked Pham in defense of his owners and Pham stabbed the dog multiple times before fleeing out the back door.
Both the husband and the dog sustained significant injuries but survived. Police apprehended Pham hiding in a creek approximately 150 yards from the house less than an hour later.
Detective Stewart McCoy of the Wylie Police Department investigated the case.
The jury found Pham guilty of the Burglary of a Habitation, a first degree felony. During the punishment phase, prosecutors introduced evidence of Pham’s previous criminal activity, including a previous home burglary and an aggravated sexual assault of a child. The jury sentenced Pham to 99 years in prison.
Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case.
Assistant District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Ashlyn Scott prosecuted the case and were aided by Investigator Michael Coleman.
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