A Spanish chef has been given a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of a Colombian plastic surgeon on Koh Pha Ngan last year.
Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, whose parents are actors Rodolfo Sancho Aguirre and Silvia Bronchalo, was sentenced by a court in Koh Samui yesterday, August 29. The case had attracted widespread attention from both Thai and international media outlets, particularly in Spain.
In August 2023, Bronchalo pleaded guilty to the murder of 44 year old Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, but claimed he acted in self-defence, saying the victim was “obsessed” with him and had tried to rape him.
He was found guilty of premeditated murder, concealment of a corpse, and destruction of property, according to a BBC report. The court initially issued the death sentence, but this was changed to life in prison on taking into account the suspect’s cooperation during the trial.
The chef was also ordered to pay compensation of 4 million baht to the victim’s family. Bussakorn Kaewleeled, a lawyer acting on behalf of the family, said they were satisfied with the court’s ruling.
“The plaintiff is satisfied with the sentence because he will be put in prison for life and they (the plaintiff) receive some financial compensation.”
Arteaga was killed on Koh Pha Ngan a year ago, with parts of his body found at a rubbish dump on the island on August 3, 2023. Bronchalo initially went to police to report Arteaga as missing but under questioning, admitted to the surgeon’s murder.
An investigation by the Thai authorities found that Bronchalo had purchased a knife, rubber gloves, and a bottle of cleaning fluid, among other items, arousing suspicions that the murder had been premeditated.
After admitting he had killed Arteaga, the Spaniard took police to various sites around Koh Pha Ngan, where he had disposed of the victim’s dismembered body.
It’s understood both men initially met online before arranging to meet on the Thai island.
SOURCE: BBC
