A Thai court has sentenced Daniel Sancho, the son of renowned Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, to life in prison for the murder of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga at a holiday resort in Thailand. The incident took place on Koh Phangan, an island off the southern coast of Thailand.
During the trial, it was revealed that the 30-year-old chef killed Arrieta following a fight and then dismembered the body, placing parts in plastic bags which were later discarded around the island. Sancho, who made YouTube videos, admitted to the killing but claimed it was not premeditated, stating that he acted out of extreme anger.
The court found Sancho guilty on charges of premeditated murder, concealment of a body, and hiding another person's documents. Despite facing the death penalty, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to his cooperation during the trial.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Sancho had made preparations for the murder, including purchasing a knife, gloves, plastic bags, and other items. Prior to the incident, he had booked a room in a different hotel from where the killing occurred.
Sancho's parents, actors Silvia Bronchalo and Rodolfo Sancho, were present in court during the trial. However, the parents of the deceased surgeon were not in attendance.
Daniel Sancho was arrested shortly after the murder of Arrieta, a plastic surgeon from Colombia. Despite wearing a face mask in court, Sancho reportedly accepted his fate following the sentencing.
Sancho's lawyer stated that they intend to appeal the sentence, as permitted under Thai law. The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of the son of a well-known actor and the gruesome nature of the crime.
