The criminal case against Daniel Sancho, a Spanish national detained in Thailand, moved forward as the court panel on December 12 debated which witnesses may testify in the proceedings. Sancho’s defense aims to secure the inclusion of at least one protected witness, a move that could shape the testimony dynamics of the case, as reported by CASO ABIERTO, an investigative segment of Prensa Ibérica.
This potential witness would offer testimony either in support of or against Sancho. The individual in question has expressed concern about the possibility that Sancho’s lawyers will press to grant protected status to ensure certain safeguards during testimony.
a third man
Sources tied to the incident indicated that two other men could also be called to provide statements, pending approval of the protections. If they are added to the defense witness list, the Thai court will determine their admissibility and role in the case.
CASO ABIERTO sources noted that Thai authorities allow the participation of protected witnesses in criminal proceedings, though the framework may interact with Spanish legal considerations in nuanced ways.
The upcoming decision rests with the Koh Samui District Court, which is handling the prosecution. At the December 12 hearing, the Thai prosecutor’s office is expected to present the witness list and file a criminal complaint against the young Spaniard for premeditated murder, concealment of the body, and destruction of documents.
rape attempt
Sancho’s defense is expected to reiterate the allegations outlined by OPEN CASE. On August 2, after the surgeon’s arrival in Thailand, the two men were staying in a bungalow when Daniel Sancho purportedly told Edwin Arrieta of his intent to end their secret arrangement. Sancho has claimed that Arrieta denied this, and that an attempt to assault him followed instead.
A confrontation allegedly ensued, with Sancho contending that Arrieta resisted, and that Arrieta struck back. The Thai police report, and Sancho’s account, describe Arrieta sustaining a head injury after being struck by furniture in the room’s bathroom, a wound later identified as contributing to his death at autopsy.
Sancho later admitted to dismembering the body, placing the remains in bags and disposing of them in various containers before scattering them at sea. He was arrested by Thai authorities days later, on August 7.
by Instagram
The relationship between Daniel Sancho and Edwin Arrieta began on Instagram. Within a week, Arrieta traveled to Spain to meet Sancho, visiting Madrid, Segovia, and Ibiza together, staying in upscale venues and hotels, with Arrieta often covering expenses.
Reports indicate he explored possibilities for business ventures, including culinary projects, and even floated plans for a hospitality enterprise described as a potential venture in Mexico, according to CASO ABIERTO sources.
sexual object
Sources close to Sancho suggest he soon perceived himself as being in a constraining situation. They say he did not identify as gay, yet engaged in a close and intimate relationship with Arrieta, describing Arrieta in terms that imply possessiveness. The implication is that Arrieta was treated as a sexual object and that Sancho felt pressured by a dynamic that he did not want.
Following the breakdown of the relationship, Sancho reportedly warned friends that Arrieta did not appear as he seemed. He claimed that Arrieta pressured him and watched him intensely. The two agreed to meet again in Thailand in August, marking a pivotal moment in the sequence of events.