In a shocking incident, a prominent YouTube chef found himself in a courtroom facing serious allegations of brutally killing and dismembering his boyfriend before disposing of the remains in the ocean off a Thai resort island.
The accused, Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, 29, made his appearance in court on Monday following his arrest by the police. He stands accused of the heinous murder and dismemberment of his partner, Dr. Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, a 44-year-old Colombian plastic surgeon.
The tragic event unfolded during their vacation on the serene southern Thai island of Koh Pha Ngan. This island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant “full moon” parties. Unfortunately, a dispute over “sexual and financial matters” escalated to a fatal outcome, as revealed by local law enforcement. Notably, investigators are also looking into potential premeditation behind this gruesome crime.
Panya Niratimanon, the police chief of Koh Pha Ngan, stated, “He admitted it.” Adding, “The victim and the suspect knew each other before they came to Thailand, and his dubious activities indicate that he might murder the victim.”
Dr. Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, the victim, was a distinguished Colombian plastic surgeon aged 44.
Reportedly, Mr. Sancho, hailing from Spain and known for his social media presence as a chef, raised an alarm about his partner’s disappearance after attending a full moon celebration with friends. The couple had shared a year-long connection.
However, the situation took a horrifying turn when locals stumbled upon dismembered body parts, including hips and thighs, at a landfill on the island. Subsequent revelations suggested that the accused YouTuber had dismembered Arteaga’s body into 14 pieces. Some were discarded in a refuse site, while others were placed in a kayak and set adrift in the sea, even including the surgeon’s head.
In a disturbing series of events, Mr. Sancho accompanied the police to seven different locations where he is alleged to have disposed of the victim’s remains.
DNA tests confirmed the identity of the remains as belonging to Arteaga, according to Police Major-General Saranyu Chamnanrat. As a result, Mr. Sancho faces charges of “premeditated murder and concealing a corpse with intent to hide the cause of death.”
Media outlets have also reported that Mr. Sancho had been acquiring knives, plastic bags, and cleaning supplies from various stores on Koh Pha Ngan.
In the midst of this tragedy, Mr. Sancho’s family issued a statement urging “utmost respect, both for Daniel Sancho himself and for the entire family, during these delicate moments of profound confusion.”
Mr. Sancho was present in court on Monday, with law enforcement seeking his continued detention as the investigation unfolds.
