Film Star’s Son Sentenced to Life for Killing, Dismembering Surgeon

An important verdict emerged from a Thai court on Thursday as the son of a famous Spanish actor was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a Colombian plastic surgeon. The case, which has captivated the attention of many in Spain, revolved around the actions of Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, a 30-year-old chef with a YouTube following. He was convicted of premeditated murder concerning the death of Edwin Arrieta Arteaga on the popular tourist island of Koh Phangan in August 2023.

This sensational trial attracted significant media coverage in Spain, partially due to Sancho’s father, Rodolfo Sancho, being a well-known actor. Numerous Spanish reporters traveled to Thailand to follow the proceedings closely. Sancho’s mother, Silvia Bronchalo, who also has an acting background, was present during the sentencing along with both parents.

Bussakorn Kaewleeled, a representative for the victim’s family, expressed relief at the court’s decision. “The plaintiff is satisfied with the sentence because he will be put in prison for life, and they receive some financial compensation,” she shared with reporters outside the Koh Samui courthouse. She noted that both parties retain the right to appeal the verdict under Thai law.

When asked about Daniel Sancho’s feelings following the sentence, her response was somber: “He is sad, but we can’t forget the loss of the dead one.” Initially, the court had imposed a death sentence on Sancho, but this was changed to life imprisonment, thanks to his cooperation throughout the trial, according to Police Colonel Paisan Sangthep.

The gruesome circumstances surrounding Arrieta’s death were shocking. Sancho has claimed that the killing occurred in self-defense, yet he admitted to concealing the body. During the trial, testimonies revealed that he dismembered Arrieta’s body and disposed of the remains in plastic bags across the island.

Sancho reportedly guided police to seven different locations where he had discarded parts of the victim’s body. Despite existing death penalty laws in Thailand, executions are infrequent; the last recorded execution happened in 2018. Prior to the verdict, Arrieta’s family indicated their preference for a life sentence, not wishing for Sancho to experience the death penalty.

“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,” stated Darling Arrieta, the victim’s sister, in an HBO documentary segment about the case. She poignantly remarked, “He not only dismembered my brother, he dismembered a family.” This sentiment reflects the deep emotional impact the crime had on the victim’s loved ones.

The details surrounding the initial encounter between Sancho and Arrieta also sparked various interpretations. After connecting online, they arranged to meet in person. Sancho’s father later claimed in the HBO documentary that Arrieta had threatened his son, leading to a confrontation he described as an accident during a fight.

In his defense, Sancho asserted that he acted in self-defense, alleging that Arrieta tried to force him into sexual activity. “He tried to rape me, and we fought,” he claimed in a statement reported by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo. According to Sancho, during the struggle, Arrieta fell, struck his head on the bathtub, and lost consciousness, resulting in his tragic death.

However, other legal representatives for the victim’s family disputed Sancho’s account, arguing that his version of events was disconnected from reality. They revealed that evidence presented at trial showed Sancho had purchased knives, plastic bags, and cleaning supplies prior to the crime, suggesting premeditated intentions.

For context, Rodolfo Sancho has enjoyed a successful career in film and television, appearing in numerous productions, including “El Ministerio del Tiempo” (“The Ministry of Time”). This case continues to evoke responses across both the Thai and Spanish communities, encapsulating the intense intersection of crime, celebrity, and family tragedy.

Source: CBS News