Son of actor in court accused of murder on Thailand ‘full moon party’ island

Daniel Sancho Bronchalo faces the charge of premeditated murder, which carries a possible death penalty

A Thai court began a trial on Tuesday of the son of popular Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho. Daniel Sancho Bronchalo is accused of killing and dismembering a Colombian surgeon on a popular tourist island.

Mr Bronchalo, 29, was indicted by prosecutors in October over the death of Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, whose remains were found stuffed in plastic bags at a landfill on Koh Pha Ngan, an island famous for its rave-style “full moon parties”.

Lawyer Juan Gonzalo Ospina Serrano, who represents Arrieta’s family, told reporters at the Koh Samui Provincial Court before the trial that the family trusts Thai prosecutors to deliver justice. “They are grateful and hope that Thai law is forceful and that the truth can be told,” he said.

Thai police forensic officers investigate a garbage dump site as they search for parts of the body of a Colombian surgeon in Koh Phagnan island, southern Thailand (AP)

The charges against Mr Sancho include premeditated murder, concealment of a body and destruction of other people’s documents. He pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder and destruction of documents but pleaded guilty to hiding the victim’s body.

The charge of premeditated murder carries a possible death penalty. The concealment or damaging of a dead body is punishable by a year in prison.

The trial is opening with statements from witnesses brought in by the plaintiff, said Apichart Srinual, a Thai lawyer who represents Mr Sancho. When asked whether he is confident about his defence case, Aprichart said: “It depends on the evidence. There are a lot of witnesses. It depends on what they will say.”

Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, right, father of Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, talks to reporters as he arrives at Koh Samui (AP)

Mr Sancho was driven to the court in a closed car and was not visible to reporters waiting outside. His father also came to the court but declined comment. Rodolfo Sancho is best known for his roles on Spanish TV, including Isabel, and El Ministerio del Tempo.

His son, a chef, was arrested in August after the remains of Arrieta, 44, were discovered at the landfill. Police said Mr Sancho came in to report a missing person and was subsequently detained. He later reportedly confessed to killing and dismembering Arrieta and dumping the body parts in the landfill and the sea, though he denied that his action was premeditated, according to police.