The seven youths accused of killing a disabled bread deliveryman in the Chokchai 4 neighborhood in May pleaded not guilty at the Criminal Court in their first trial this morning.
The suspects — including six young men aged 18-23 and their 19-year-old female friend — denied all three charges including murder, possession of knives, and intrusion of the bakery.
The next trial is set for Sept. 19.
Anantachai Chaidech, the lawyer who represents the victim’s family, said the suspects’ denial of the charges will benefit his side since the court can now consider giving them the highest punishment, which is death penalty, Post Today reported.
Previously, the family of the victim, Somkiat Srichan, 36, requested that the police charge the seven suspects with first-degree murder, which is only punishable by death. That request was denied but, with the suspects’ plea of not-guilty, that sentence could come back into play.
On May 1, the seven suspects were arrested for allegedly taking part in killing Somkiat outside of the bread shop where he worked. The victim had reportedly been teased by four of the men, which led to an argument.
The four men then called two friends, who arrived with knives. Together, they allegedly beat and stabbed Somkiat, according to an eyewitness.
The suspects are brothers Arin and Peerapol Yodponganan, 20 and 21 respectively, Monmanat Sangpho, 22, and Mek Polkraisorn, 19, Akkaradet Thatsana, 22, and an 18-year-old boy, whose identity was withheld.
Natnicha Ritlamlert, the 19-year-old girlfriend of one of the six suspects, turned herself in days later after a warrant was issued for her arrest. A witness said she cheered on the six assailants and yelled “Kill him!”
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Seven teens who allegedly took part in killing disabled man, escape first-degree murder charges
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