The case of Daniel Sancho Not only did it attract attention in Spain, but it also took up many hours in the international media, especially in Thailand, the country where the crime was committed. Son of the famous actor Rodolfo Sancho and grandson of the legendary Sancho Gracia went from almost complete anonymity to becoming one of the most cited names in the press because of his involvement in the assassination of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta in August 2023.
Despite his artistic lineage, The young leader had always kept a low profile until he was accused of a heinous crime that shocked so many Thailand I like Spain. Since his name appeared on the front pages, the media have used different ways to refer to him: from “son of Rodolfo Sancho” to “Spanish chef”. But what has caused the most noise is the nickname that the Thai press has chosen to give Daniel: “Chef Bronchalo”, alluding to his second surname, that of his mother, Silvia Bronchalo.
Rodolfo Sancho is shocked
The use of this nickname surprised more than one person.especially since the Thai press completely omitted his paternal name, Sancho, which is so closely linked to his famous family in Spain. This fact has sparked speculation about why the Thai media chose this approach, although no details have been given. official explanationsThe truth is that the nickname became popular in the media of the region, and it is likely that this detail did not please his father, Rodolfo Sancho, who dealt with the impact of this case both on a personal and professional level.
After a year of investigations and legal proceedings, Daniel Sancho was finally sentenced to life imprisonment in August 2024. Koh Samui court hands down sentence after finding him guilty of premeditated murder, dismemberment of the body and concealment of evidence, crimes committed against Edwin ArrietaDespite his legal team’s efforts to avoid the maximum sentence, Sancho will have to serve his time in Surat Thani Prison, one of the harshest and most dangerous prisons in Thailand.
The move to Surat Thani, which came almost immediately after his conviction, brought about a significant change in Sancho’s life. The prison, known for its harsh conditions, presents a much more adverse reality than the one he experienced on Koh Samui. In Surat Thani, prisoners face extreme overcrowding conditionsor, with cells exceeding their capacity and where up to 12 hours per day in small spaces. In addition, the sanitary conditions are poor, which increases the risk of disease and infection, which worries both Sancho’s lawyers and his family.
The Sancho family’s reaction to the conviction
After hearing the sentence, Daniel Sancho expressed his displeasure and reiterated his version of events, assuring that what happened was an accident and that he did not deserve such a harsh sentence. In a private conversation with his father, Rodolfo Sancho, Daniel expressed: “This is all very unfair.. It was all an accident, I want to defend myself until the end, because it’s okay demonstrate“The young leader insists that he acted in self-defense, even though the court did not consider it that way during the trial.
Another challenge for Sancho in this new prison is the language. In Surat Thani, few prisoners and guards speak English, making it difficult for them to adapt and communicate within the prison. This language barrier led his legal team to request the presence of a translator. to support you in your daily interactions. In addition, the isolation due to the COVID-19 protocol has restricted his contacts with the outside world, preventing him from receiving visits from his parents and limiting his phone calls.
Despite the life sentence, Daniel Sancho’s legal team has not given up. Marcos García Montes, his lawyer, has announced that he will appeal the sentence in court. Supreme Court of Thailand. Its aim is to demonstrate that Sancho acted in self-defense, which, if proven, could significantly reduce his sentence. However, the appeal process could drag on for a long time, further prolonging the uncertainty about his future.
Lawyer Luis Romero, also involved in the case, highlighted the harsh conditions of detention Surat Thani Prison and the importance of continuing to fight for a possible extradition to Spain, even if this process is complex and requires multiple negotiations between the two countries.
The position adopted by Silvia Bronchalo
Daniel Sancho’s parents, Rodolfo Sancho and Silvia Bronchalohave been present throughout the court process, supporting their son amidst the media storm. They were both surprised when the move to Surat Thani came suddenly, as they had expected it to happen in the coming weeks. Rodolfo Sancho was able to say goodbye to his son in prison Koh Samui before the change, during an emotional meeting in which Daniel asked him to continue fighting until the end.
Silvia Bronchalo kept a lower profile throughout the processtraveling to Thailand several times, but always avoiding media attention. Although she is not directly involved in her son’s defense strategy, she closely follows his progress and has made sure to accompany him in the most critical moments.
