Spanish chef gets life for murder of Colombian surgeon in Thailand

By Ezekiel David

A Thai court sentenced Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, the 30-year-old son of Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, to life in prison for the murder and dismemberment of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga on the tourist island of Koh Phangan in August 2023.

A court on the nearby island of Samui found Sancho guilty of premeditated murder. While on vacation in Thailand, Chef Sancho admitted to hiding Arteaga's body but denied premeditation, claiming he acted in self-defense. However, Thai investigators concluded that the murder was premeditated since Sancho had already bought knives and other equipment.

Background:

According to Thai police, the motive for the crime stemmed from Sancho's desire to end his relationship with Arteaga, which Arrieta refused. Deputy police chief Surachate Hakparn stated, “Daniel has confessed that he killed Edwin because he wanted to break up and Edwin didn't want that.” Police ruled out accidental death, citing stab wounds on Arrieta's chest and Sancho's purchase of knives, gloves, and cleaning supplies.

Sancho spent around three hours dismembering the body, according to the police investigation, and another day clearing the hotel room of any evidence. Investigators believe that Arrieta was stabbed or that she struck her head on the bathroom sink during the argument, however, the precise cause of death is yet unknown.

Sancho initially received the death penalty but had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment due to his testimony during the trial. He was also ordered to pay 4.42 million baht ($130,230) in compensation to the victim's family.

(Reuters, El Pais)