The trial of Daniel Sancho in Thailand for the death and dismemberment of Edwin Arrieta has been shrouded in secrecy, with the threat of jail time for anyone leaking information from the proceedings. Daniel Sancho, son of actor Rodolfo Sancho, is accused of the premeditated murder of Arrieta on the island of Phangan last summer. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could result in the death penalty, although recent cases in Thailand have seen this punishment commuted to life imprisonment. Sancho is also accused of dismembering the victim’s body, concealing the remains, and destroying Arrieta’s passport.
Rodolfo Sancho, the defendant’s father, has attended the trial but has not made any public statements. In an interview for an HBO Max documentary released on the same day as the trial, the actor expressed his belief that there are two victims in the case—his son and Arrieta. He claimed that his son had been threatened by Arrieta and acted in self-defense during a fight that led to the victim’s death. The defense argues that Sancho, a trained chef, purchased kitchen utensils for cooking and filming purposes, and the death was accidental. The trial is being held in Samui provincial court, and Sancho’s statement is scheduled for April 25.
Witnesses, including a Myanmar national who found Arrieta’s remains in a municipal dump in Phangan and a woman who rented a motorcycle to Sancho on the island, have testified in the trial. The defense lawyer representing Arrieta’s family in Spain has emphasized the court’s strict stance on information leaks from the trial. The Thai police has taken measures to ensure no recording devices or cameras are present during the proceedings. The defense lawyer remains optimistic about securing an acquittal or reducing the charges to negligent homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The trial is based on the Thai judicial system, influenced by Anglo-Saxon law but with its own customs and procedures. The court has warned that any unauthorized disclosure of trial information could lead to criminal prosecution and imprisonment. The Thai police believe that Daniel Sancho planned the crime and have presented evidence from security cameras showing him purchasing kitchen utensils before the incident. The defense argues that the victim was responsible for the escalation of the situation, leading to his death. Sancho’s statement is crucial in determining the outcome of the trial.
The trial has attracted media attention due to the involvement of the son of a well-known actor and the gruesome nature of the charges. The court’s decision to maintain strict confidentiality during the proceedings reflects the seriousness of the case and the potential implications of any leaks. The defense and prosecution are presenting their cases, with the defense focusing on self-defense and accidental death, while the prosecutors argue premeditated murder. The upcoming statement by Daniel Sancho will be crucial in determining the verdict in this high-profile trial.
