Spanish actors' son found guilty of murder, gets life sentence
What's the story
Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, a YouTube chef and son of renowned Spanish actors, was found guilty of premeditated murder by a Thai court on Thursday.
The Koh Samui Provincial Court initially sentenced Sancho to death but later changed it to life imprisonment due to his cooperation during the trial.
The case involved the dismemberment of the victim, adding a gruesome element to this high-profile crime.
Victim's profile
Victim identified as Colombian plastic surgeon
The victim, identified as Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, was a 44-year-old plastic surgeon from Colombia.
Both Arteaga and Sancho were vacationing on the Thai holiday island of Koh Pha-ngan when the murder occurred in August last year.
The island is globally recognized for its monthly "Full Moon" beach parties that draw tourists from around the world for all-night raves.
Trial details
Sancho's defense: Self-protection against sexual assault
During the trial on the island of Samui, Sancho claimed that he had been defending himself against an alleged sexual assault by Arteaga.
According to Sancho, a fight ensued during which Arteaga fell and hit his head on a bathtub, subsequently losing consciousness and dying.
Despite these claims, Sancho pleaded not guilty to charges of premeditated murder.
Additional convictions
Additional charges: Concealing body and destroying documents
Sancho admitted to dismembering Arteaga's body and disposing of the parts on land and at sea.
For this act of concealing or damaging a body, he received a four-month prison sentence, which was reduced to two months due to his acknowledgment of the act.
Sancho also faced charges for destroying another person's documents — specifically, Arteaga's passport — resulting in an additional two-year prison term.
Media coverage
Case attracts international media attention
The case, marked by its violent nature, celebrity connections, and lurid details, garnered significant attention in the Spanish media. HBO even produced a Spanish-language documentary on the events.
The investigation began when trash collectors discovered a sawed-off pelvis and intestines weighing about 5kg (4.99kg) in a fertilizer sack at a garbage dump.
Investigation details
Police narrative contradicts Sancho's claims
Following the discovery of Arteaga's remains, Sancho reported him missing. However, police gathered evidence linking the two men, leading to Sancho's detention and interrogation.
The police narrative suggested that Sancho confessed to planning the murder because Arteaga threatened to expose their alleged sexual relationship.
This version was refuted by Sancho and his legal team who denied any sexual relationship with Arteaga.
Evidence
Surveillance footage supports premeditation charge
Police obtained surveillance video showing the chef allegedly purchasing a knife, rubber gloves, garbage bags, and cleaning solutions at a convenience store before Arteaga's death.
Prosecutors claimed this evidence bolstered the charge of premeditated murder.
In his closing statement at the trial, Sancho expressed regret for his actions and apologized to Arteaga's family for their loss.