Thai Court of Justice Sentences Daniel Sancho, Son of Spanish Actor Rodolfo Sancho, to Life in Prison for Murder of Colombian Plastic Surgeon Edwin Arrieta Over Alleged Unwelcome Advance
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 6:36PM GMT Wed, 4 September, 2024
Daniel Sancho, the son of celebrated Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Thai court for the brutal murder of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga. The sentencing, delivered on Thursday, concludes a chilling legal saga on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand.
The court’s decision followed Sancho’s shocking confession to the crime, which he claimed was driven by a violent dispute. According to senior police officer Col. Paisan Sangthep, Sancho, a 30-year-old chef and YouTube personality, admitted to killing Arrieta during a heated altercation. The argument reportedly stemmed from an emotional outburst after Arrieta allegedly made an unwelcome advance towards Sancho. In a fit of rage, Sancho fatally attacked Arrieta, then proceeded to dismember and dispose of the body parts across the island.
Sancho had initially faced the death penalty, but his cooperation and confession led the court to commute the sentence to life imprisonment. Col. Paisan explained that while Sancho’s admission of guilt was a significant factor in the court’s decision, evidence suggested that the murder was premeditated. Sancho had purchased a knife, gloves, plastic and garbage bags, a cleaning sponge, a cleaver knife, and a saw prior to the incident. Furthermore, he had reserved a separate hotel room before the crime, indicating possible prior planning.
“The court saw his confession as valuable during the trial, but the evidence indicated that he had prepared for the murder in advance,” Paisan told CNN. Sancho faced charges of premeditated murder, concealment of a body, and hiding personal documents. Despite claiming self-defense, the court found that his actions were deliberate.
Rodolfo Sancho, known for his roles in popular Spanish TV series such as “The Ministry of Time” and “Isabel,” and his wife Silvia Bronchalo, were present in court. The family of the victim was not in attendance. Sancho’s defense lawyer, Marcos Garcia-Montes, announced plans to appeal the verdict. Thai law allows for an appeal to a higher court.
Meta Description: Daniel Sancho, son of Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, is sentenced to life in prison by a Thai court for the murder of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta. The killing was driven by a violent altercation, leading to a dismemberment of the body.
