The Sancho case, which narrates the investigation into the death and dismemberment of 44-year-old Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta and the subsequent arrest of 29-year-old Daniel Sancho, son of the famous actor Rodolfo Sancho, by Thai authorities, captured headlines and news pages in August. Just as the Spaniard is about to stand trial in Thailand and face formal charges of premeditated murder, a crime punishable by death in the Asian country, HBO Max has released the first installment of a four-part series aiming to turn this documentary into a real-time true crime story. The series begins with a cloud of photographers and journalists following Rodolfo Sancho through airports and Thai prison or court facilities in recent months, as he remains silent and accompanied by his lawyer, Marcos García-Montes.
The value of this first chapter, titled Episode 0, focuses on Rodolfo’s testimony, lasting 48 minutes, as he reflects on his son Daniel’s situation, describing him as in an “influential” stage of life where he is trying to achieve “dreams” or “business ideas.” The viewer is taken to Fuerteventura, where Rodolfo resides, and listens to how he has experienced these eight months in which his son went from being on vacation in Thailand to sleeping in one of its prisons and facing a judicial system where the death penalty is possible. Interwoven with headlines, social media posts, TV appearances, and Thai police footage, the documentary explores Rodolfo’s struggle as a father fighting for his son. The subsequent three chapters will be released in 2024, following a judicial resolution, as per the platform’s announcement.
Cuarzo Producciones, the production company behind the project, aims to approach the story with the utmost responsibility and respect, documenting the process from the initial incident to the final sentence considering the immense pain caused by the events. The series features insights from journalist Carlos Quilez, who discusses the powerful attraction of this crime, although the investigation is not extensively covered in the first episode, leaving the actual evidence for later chapters. Justice in Direct, the documentary, delves into Rodolfo Sancho’s relationship with his son, showcasing childhood images of Daniel in the arms of his grandfather, actor Sancho Gracia, accompanied by a young Rodolfo discussing the impact of fatherhood on his life and acting career.
Following Rodolfo Sancho’s testimony expressing regret for the events and expressing solidarity with Edwin Arrieta’s family, a small preview of the second chapter focuses on the deceased Colombian surgeon and includes statements from his relatives. Darlin Arrieta, the victim’s sister, seeks maximum punishment for Daniel but advocates against the death penalty, preferring life imprisonment in Thailand for him to reflect on his actions. Both Rodolfo Sancho and Darlin Arrieta demand justice, as the court writes the next chapters of this tragic story. Subscribe to continue reading without limits.
