In a case that has captivated both Thailand and Spain, 30-year-old Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, the son of well-known Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, is set to be sentenced by a Thai court on Thursday for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga. The trial, held on the island of Koh Samui, has drawn international attention, with many Spanish reporters traveling to cover the proceedings, according to CBS News.
The crime occurred in August 2023 on the tourist island of Koh Pha Ngan, a place famous for its idyllic beaches and wild “full moon” parties. Sancho, a chef with a popular YouTube channel, was accused of murdering Arrieta, his traveling companion, in what he claims was an act of self-defense. Sancho has admitted to killing Arrieta and dismembering his body, though he denies accusations of destroying Arrieta’s passport.
Sancho’s defense hinges on his claim that he acted out of fear, alleging that Arrieta had tried to sexually assault him. In a statement to Spanish media, Sancho described feeling like a “hostage” to Arrieta, who he claims was obsessed with him. “He tried to rape me, and we fought,” Sancho told the Spanish daily El Mundo, explaining that the situation escalated into violence.
However, the prosecution paints a much darker picture, arguing that Sancho’s actions were premeditated. During the trial, evidence was presented that Sancho had purchased knives, plastic bags, and cleaning supplies before the killing. These items were later found in the hotel room where the crime took place. Additionally, Sancho reportedly guided the police to seven different locations on Koh Pha Ngan where he had disposed of Arrieta’s body parts.
The family of the victim, deeply affected by the loss, has expressed their desire for justice. “Let him be left in Thailand so he can take time, all the time that God gives him to live, to think about what he did,” said Darling Arrieta, the victim’s sister, in an HBO documentary about the case. “He not only dismembered my brother, he dismembered a family.”
Sancho’s father, Rodolfo Sancho, known for his roles in Spanish television and film, has defended his son, claiming that Arrieta had threatened him and that the situation spiraled out of control. But the victim’s family and their lawyer, Juan Gonzalo Ospina, remain unconvinced. Ospina criticized Sancho’s narrative, describing it as a “false reality” and commended Thai authorities for their meticulous investigation, which he believes clearly points to premeditated murder.
As the sentencing approaches, the case continues to highlight the contrast between Sancho’s claims of self-defense and the prosecution’s assertion of premeditation. The outcome will likely have lasting repercussions, not just for Sancho and the families involved, but also for the broader public, captivated by this tragic and shocking story.