Alma Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Cousin at Pine River Township Salon

Jack Nguyen has pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the 2025 stabbing death of his cousin at a nail salon in Pine River Township, Michigan.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 10:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WILX News 10

Judicial Resolution in Pine River Township Homicide

A year long legal process has reached a significant milestone in Gratiot County as an Alma resident entered a formal guilty plea for the killing of a family member. Jack Nguyen, 31, admitted to charges of second degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place in early 2025. The defendant had been facing an open murder charge since his arrest shortly after the incident. By pleading guilty to the lesser second degree charge, Nguyen avoids a potential trial while ensuring a conviction for the violent assault that shocked the small community of Pine River Township.

The 2025 Assault at LA Nails

The case dates back to March 19, 2025, when Gratiot County deputies were dispatched to LA Nails on North Alger Road following reports of a deadly physical altercation. Upon their arrival, law enforcement discovered 48 year old Travis Nguyen, the owner of the salon, deceased at the scene. Forensic investigators confirmed that the victim had suffered multiple stab wounds during the targeted attack. The severity of the scene led to an immediate lockdown of the area while deputies worked to identify a suspect, eventually centering their investigation on the victim's younger cousin.

Apprehension and Investigative Findings

Following the discovery of the body, Jack Nguyen was quickly identified as a person of interest and taken into custody. While the Gratiot County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly disclosed a specific motive for the killing, investigators were able to build a case that led to the initial open murder charge. Evidence collected at the salon and witness statements gathered from the surrounding businesses in Pine River Township provided the foundation for the prosecution's case. The defendant has remained in custody since his arrest, awaiting the series of court appearances that led to this week's plea.