Philly police ID cook fatally slashed at Vietnamese eatery

Philadelphia police have identified a cook killed when someone slashed her throat at the Vietnamese restaurant where she worked.

Police say 54-year-old Thoung Nguyen was found dead about 9 p.m. Thursday in the basement kitchen of Lee’s Cafe and Bistro.

Chief Inspector Scott Small says there was clearly a struggle, as kitchen equipment was knocked over and the victim had facial bruises in addition to the deep gash in her neck. An unspecified piece of equipment was found lying on her body.

There were about 10 employees and customers elsewhere in the restaurant, which has two floors above ground.

Police have interviewed them but didn’t immediately say Friday if they have any clues as to who killed the cook or how they slipped away undetected.