A still from a security camera on Koh Phangan seems to reveal Spanish national Daniel Sancho Bronchalo transporting a bag loaded with the body parts of his Colombian victim, Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, on a motorcycle to a kayak, before discarding it into the sea in August 2023.
KOH SAMUI: In a courtroom drama that has gripped the nation, the Samui Provincial Court on Thursday sentenced Spaniard Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, the son of renowned actor Rodolfo Sancho, to life in prison for the horrifying murder and dismemberment of a Colombian man on the idyllic tourist haven of Koh Phangan last year. The court declared 30-year-old Sancho Bronchalo guilty of the premeditated murder of Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, 44, whose body was gruesomely dismembered and subsequently concealed by Bronchalo, as detailed in the court’s statement.
The convicted man, Daniel Sancho, is the offspring of Rodolfo Sancho, famous for his role in “El Ministerio del Tiempo” (The Ministry of Time) and actress Silvia Bronchalo. Though Daniel confessed to hiding Arteaga’s body, he adamantly denied any semblance of premeditated murder, as proclaimed by the court.
Throughout the trial, Sancho stuck to the tale that the grim events of August 2023—which led to the death of Arteaga, a reputable plastic surgeon—were driven by self-defense, according to various Thai media outlets. Curiously, when Reuters reached out on Thursday, Sancho’s lawyer chose to remain tight-lipped.
During his vacation in Thailand, Sancho, a trained chef, found himself embroiled in this horrific incident. The chilling crime scene was a jigsaw puzzle of plastic bags, each containing dismembered parts of Arteaga’s body, scattered across the serene island.
Initially handed a death sentence, Sancho saw his fate altered to life imprisonment, thanks to the detailed account he provided during his cross-examination. Nevertheless, the court didn’t let him walk away without a hefty price, ordering him to compensate the victim’s family with a sum of 4.42 million baht.
This is just horrifying. How can anyone be capable of such a gruesome act?
Right? It’s insane! The guy should’ve been executed.
Execution doesn’t solve anything. Life in prison is a better deterrent.
I wonder if his famous dad will get involved to lessen the sentence?
A premeditated murder is a terrible crime, but I don’t agree with the death penalty. Life imprisonment seems fair.
I agree, capital punishment is inhumane and should be abolished.
If he wasn’t a celebrity’s son, he would’ve been executed!
This case highlights how flawed our world justice systems are. In some countries, he’d walk free.
Agreed, but Thailand has a strict justice system. He won’t see daylight again.
Thailand’s justice system may be strict, but it’s not infallible.
We need a unified global justice system to prevent disparities.
His poor parents must be devastated. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.
I feel for them. It’s a tragic situation for everyone involved.
His parents should have raised him better!
These crimes remind me of the infamous Black Dahlia case. Disturbing how history repeats itself.
Interesting comparison. Human nature hasn’t changed much, has it?
This kind of crime also pollutes our oceans. Beyond the human tragedy, there’s an environmental impact.
You’re right! Disposing of body parts in the sea is not only gruesome but also harmful to marine life.
I think the impact on the environment is the least of our concerns here.
Every impact matters. We can’t ignore the environment even in horrid situations.
Koh Phangan is such a beautiful place, it’s hard to believe something this horrific happened there.
No place is immune to crime, unfortunately.
I bet he thought he would get away with it. People like him always do until they don’t.
Interesting how the court reduced his sentence based on his detailed confession. Shows the power of testimony in court.
I can’t get over the fact that he’s a chef. Someone who creates beautiful dishes involved in such a monstrous act.
Those who think they can play God always end up facing the harshest realities.
Edwin’s family should sue for more than just 4.42 million baht. No amount can compensate for his life.
This makes me worry about my children traveling abroad. Such tragedies are terrifying.