A Thai court has sentenced Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, the son of well-known Spanish actors, to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga. Originally sentenced to death, Sancho’s punishment was reduced to life in prison due to his cooperation during the trial, according to Police Col. Paisan Sangthep.

Sancho, a 30-year-old chef and YouTuber, was found guilty of killing Arrieta while vacationing on the Thai island of Koh Pha-ngan in August of the previous year. The island, famous for its “Full Moon” parties, became the backdrop for a case that shocked the Spanish-speaking world.

During the trial, Sancho claimed that a fight broke out when Arrieta allegedly attempted to sexually assault him. According to Sancho, Arrieta hit his head during the scuffle, lost consciousness, and died. Despite pleading not guilty to premeditated murder, Sancho admitted to dismembering Arrieta’s body and disposing of it. This led to an additional four-month prison sentence, reduced to two months, for concealing the body. He also received a two-year sentence for destroying Arrieta’s passport.

The suspect is the son of prominent Spanish actor, Rodolfo Sancho.

The case attracted widespread media attention, particularly in Spain, where HBO produced a Spanish-language documentary on the events. The investigation began after trash collectors found body parts in a garbage dump, prompting Sancho to report Arrieta missing. Police quickly gathered evidence, including surveillance footage of Sancho purchasing items used in the dismemberment, which prosecutors argued supported the premeditation charge.

Sancho expressed remorse during the trial, apologizing for the loss of life and the pain caused to Arrieta’s family. His father, Rodolfo Sancho, vowed to continue fighting for his son. Under a treaty between Thailand and Spain, Sancho may apply for repatriation after serving several years in Thailand.

This case mirrors another involving a Spanish national, Artur Segarra Princep, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder and dismemberment of fellow Spaniard David Bernat in Bangkok.