'Stressed' love triangle murder suspects held on remand

'Stressed' love triangle murder suspects held on remand

The man and his lover charged in connection with the killing of the man's bride-to-be have been remanded in Chumphon Prison's custody and appear to be under stress, according to the prison commander.

Damrong Buarit, the prison commander, said the two suspects are being kept in separate quarters after a court approved their detention.

They were brought to the prison after the court on Friday granted a warrant for the arrest of Narumon Chuaisombat. Police found evidence that the 23-year-old and the suspected killer, Ronnachai Panchart, 26, had allegedly bought a shotgun together.

Ms Narumon is believed to have driven Mr Ronnachai to the victim's room where he shot her dead, according to a police source.

The body of Nontiya Kruajaturas, a 25-year-old dental assistant at a local hospital, was found on Dec 19 -- five days before her wedding -- in her room at the residential compound of Tambon Salui Health Promotion Hospital in Chumphon's Tha Sae district.

Police have charged Ms Narumon with colluding in premeditated murder, illegal possession of a weapon and carrying it without permission.

Mr Ronnachai's and Nontiya's relationship hit the rocks after Nontiya found out sometime before she was murdered that Mr Ronnachai was having an affair with Ms Narumon.

Mr Ronnachai and Nontiya had planned to wed each other today. However, before allegedly shooting Nontiya to death, he reportedly told her he was no longer in love with her.

Yesterday Mr Damrong said the court had approved the first round of detention lasting 12 days for Mr Ronnachai, who was taken to Chumphon Prison on Friday where he underwent a physical check-up and gave his personal details.

Mr Damrong said Mr Ronnachai was suffering from no chronic illnesses and was physically fit. However, he appeared to be under stress and kept rather quiet. The prison chief has ordered warders to keep a close eye on the suspect. A well-behaved inmate has also been assigned to take care of Mr Ronnachai.

Mr Ronnachai's family has not contacted the prison to arrange a visit. Mr Damrong said the family might be making arrangements to travel as they live in another province.

As for Ms Narumon, Mr Damrong said the court had also given the green light for her to be remanded in Chumphon Prison. She arrived at the prison on Friday afternoon.

After she completed the prison registration, she was transferred to the women's quarters. The suspect showed signs of stress and did not talk much, he added.

Narat Sawettanan, director-general of the Corrections Department, said the two suspects would be monitored closely but would have to comply with prison regulations.

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