Spanish chef receives life sentence 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 imprisonment 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 hiding Arteaga's body but denied premeditation, claiming he acted in self-defense. However, Thai investigators concluded that the murder was premeditated because Sancho had already purchased knives and other equipment.

Background:

According to Thai police, the motive for the crime was Sancho's desire to end his relationship with Arteaga, which Arrieta refused to do. Deputy police chief Surachate Hakparn stated: “Daniel 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 to Arrieta's chest and Sancho's purchase of knives, gloves and cleaning supplies.

According to the police investigation, Sancho spent about three hours dismembering the body and another day cleaning the hotel room of all evidence. Investigators believe Arrieta was stabbed or that she hit her head against the bathroom sink during the argument, but the exact cause of death is still unknown.

Sancho was initially sentenced to death, but his sentence was reduced to life imprisonment based on 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)