Spaniard sentenced to death for murder in Thailand

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A Spanish man flashed a smile and held up a Bible verse inked on his hand as he was sentenced to death in Thailand after being found guilty of murdering a fellow Spaniard.

Artur Segarra Princep was charged with the premediated murder of 40-year old David Bernat. 

Parts of his dismembered body were retrieved from Bangkok's Chao Phraya River in February last year, while traces of the victim's bloodstains and DNA were found in Segarra's Bangkok apartment.

Artur Segarra Princep was charged with the premediated murder of 40-year old David Bernat

Artur Segarra Princep was charged with the premediated murder of 40-year old David Bernat

When photographed in his holding cell on Friday, Artur Segarra Princep held up his palm, on which was handwritten 'Lucas 23:34,' a reference to the Biblical verse 'And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do'

When photographed in his holding cell on Friday, Artur Segarra Princep held up his palm, on which was handwritten 'Lucas 23:34,' a reference to the Biblical verse 'And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do'

Segarra's lawyer said his client denied the charges against him and will appeal.

Worasit Piriyawiboon said: 'We still want to prove (his innocence). Artur himself insisted that he did not commit a murder. Whether he should be found guilty of the crime of theft or the crime of murder, these are two separate crimes.'

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During the investigation, police said they found a freezer in Segarra's home that is believed to have been used to store the body, as well as a book with instructions on how to dismember body parts.

Police believed Segarra held Bernat against his will and tortured him to force him to transfer money to his bank account, then killed him and chopped up his body to try to conceal the crime. 

Police believed Segarra held Bernat against his will and tortured him to force him to transfer money to his bank account, then killed him and chopped up his body to try to conceal the crime

Police believed Segarra held Bernat against his will and tortured him to force him to transfer money to his bank account, then killed him and chopped up his body to try to conceal the crime

The theft charge focused on 80,000 baht ($2,285), though police indicated they suspect much more was stolen.

Segarra was arrested in Cambodia and sent back to Thailand in February last year to stand trial.

Worasit noted that his client was also convicted on other charges including misusing the victim's ATM card, 'but with the death sentence, other sentences don't matter.'

When photographed in his holding cell on Friday, Segarra held up his palm, on which was handwritten 'Lucas 23:34,' a reference to the Biblical verse 'And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'

Executions are rarely carried out in Thailand.

  

 

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