Spanish chef Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, the son of a famous actor, has been sentenced to life in prison by a court in Thailand for the murder and dismemberment of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga on the island of Koh Phangan.
Sancho, who had a YouTube channel, was found guilty of chopping up Arrieta’s body and concealing the parts in plastic bags around the island in August 2023 while they were both on holiday. Sancho denied premeditated murder but admitted to dismembering and disposing of the body.
The defense claimed Sancho acted in self-defence after Arrieta tried to force him into a sexual act, resulting in Arrieta falling and hitting his head, leading to his death. The case gained widespread attention in Spain due to Sancho’s family background in acting.
Initially sentenced to death, Sancho’s punishment was commuted to life imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay compensation to Arrieta’s family.
Sancho expressed regret for his actions in his closing statement, apologizing for the loss of life and the pain caused to the victim’s family. He may have the opportunity to apply for repatriation to serve the remainder of his sentence in Spain under a treaty between the two countries.
While the victim’s family welcomed the life sentence and financial compensation, the defense lawyer for Sancho’s family accepted the court’s decision, stating that they must respect Thai justice. The case underscores the tragic and gruesome nature of the crime committed by the young chef.
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