Thai police says probe into Colombian’s dismemberment has ended

Koh Phangan, Thailand, Aug 15 (EFE).- Thai police Deputy Director Surachate Hakparn said Tuesday that the investigation into the murder and dismemberment of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta had concluded, an incident to which Spanish scion Daniel Sancho has confessed.

Surachate made the announcement at a press conference at Koh Phangan police station, the island in southern Thailand where the crime was committed on Aug. 2.

Although police had up to 84 days to complete the investigation since Sancho’s entry into pretrial detention on Aug. 7, the investigations were accelerated in part thanks to the collaboration of the Spaniard.

“We have consulted with the attorney general on some of the evidence we have and it is strong enough to bring charges against him,” Surachet said Tuesday.

However, the prosecution could still make use of an 83-day period to study the case and request more evidence from the police, before setting a date for the trial.

Police said Tuesday that an autopsy has not yet been performed on the remains of Edwin Arrieta’s body.

Sancho confessed to the crime on Aug. 5 in front of the Koh Phangan police and has collaborated in the reconstruction of the events.

Sancho and Arrieta, who allegedly met last year through Instagram, had met on Phangan on Aug. 2, the day the surgeon was allegedly murdered and dismembered and whose remains were found in various locations.

The involvement of Surachate, 54, demonstrates the high profile that Thailand has placed on the case. The officer usually oversees the most serious events or in which foreigners are involved. EFE

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