One year after the murder of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta in Koh Phangan, Thailand, his friends and family remember his generosity and warmth. Daniel Sancho, the Spaniard accused of the crime, faces a possible death sentence.
News International.
A year ago, Córdoba and the entire country were shocked to learn of the painful death of the prominent doctor Edwin Arrieta Arteaga, in Thailand. There, he was murdered by his friend, the Spaniard Daniel Sancho, who will await his sentence on August 29 for this crime.
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One year after the murder of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta on the island of Koh Phangan, his friends and family are keeping the memory of the doctor alive, who will be remembered for his dedication, warmth and generosity.
On the eve of the first anniversary of his death, the case remains fresh in the minds of those who knew and loved him.
Spaniard Daniel Sancho, accused of committing the crime and the subsequent dismemberment of Arrieta, faces a possible death sentence in Thailand, although it is common for the country to convert this penalty into a lesser sentence.
Sancho is on trial for premeditated murder, and the judicial process continues under public scrutiny.
Viviana Ordosgoitia, one of Arrieta’s best friends, described the surgeon to EFE as “a wonderful, fantastic and helpful person.” Ordosgoitia fondly remembers her friend, recalling his tireless work, his friendly nature and his ability to brighten up any occasion with his presence and talent for dancing.
“He sent me photos of everything he did and the clothes he bought so I could approve them.”recalls Ordosgoitia, who also highlights Arrieta’s role as an economic pillar for his family in Santa Cruz de Lorica, his hometown.
Justice for Doctor Arrieta
Ordosgoitia’s last communication with Arrieta occurred one day before his tragic death, on August 2, 2023. “He was happy,” she says, mentioning that in their last conversation, Arrieta told her he was in Bangkok and heading to Koh Phangan.
“We talked about many things, but I never imagined that it would be the last time I would speak to him,” adds Ordosgoitia.
For her part, Adriana Manzur, another close friend, cannot hide her pain when remembering the loss of Arrieta. Manzur, who was traveling in Southeast Asia at the time, recounts how, upon learning of her friend’s disappearance, she made desperate calls to local medical centers until she received worrying information.
“It was a time of anguish and suffering, without knowing what was happening,” says Manzur.
Upon confirming Arrieta’s death, he confesses that his world stopped for a moment.
A year later, Manzur bids farewell to his friend with an emotional tribute: “Rest in peace, we remember you here, and we know the person you were. Fly high, old man, fly high, friend.”
On Friday, the first anniversary of his death, Arrieta’s family and friends will gather at the Santa Cruz Parish in Lorica for a memorial mass, honoring the life and legacy of the beloved surgeon.
Daniel Sancho, the defendant in this case, faces a possible death sentence, although in Thailand this is usually replaced by a lesser sentence. The verdict on the premeditated murder of Arrieta will be announced on August 19.
With information from EFE.
Below is a special TuBarco video on the case of the Doctor
