The men have been charged with the murder of both Britons -- a charge which carries the death penalty. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Koh Tao Island Murders | David Miller and Hannah Witheridge Case Analysis Dr. Todd Grande 1.27M subscribers 54K views 5 months ago This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of. The men alleged that they had been tortured by the police, and legal teams claimed that the evidence was misused. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, had been raped before being beaten to death while Miller, 24, from Jersey, had been violently attacked and abandoned to drown in the shallow waters of the island's. Yet, that case has also been disintegrating. Edit: Just heard him pronounce the Thai king's name at the end of the episode. Jacob Thorburn For Mailonline, 'You lose one daughter, you don't expect to lose another': Mother of murdered British backpacker Hannah Witheridge, 23, tells of heartache after her other daughter, 30, dies in hospital while pregnant, Risking their lives for a tan: Sunbathers are pictured lying feet from scene of major rock fall that hit the beach over the weekend, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, TN residents say Jack Daniel's distillery spews black mold, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. What science tells us about the afterlife. Hannah Witheridge and David Miller. He described the impact the tragic murder of Miss Witheridge had on the family, and how Mrs Daniels 'spearheaded the fight for justice for her sister'. Two weeks ago, Hannah Witheridge was raped. Exact date yellow weather warning for snow and ice forecast to hit UK - will you be affected? Wa-hee-rah-long-gonenever heard anyone else pronounce it like that. TWO men found guilty of murdering a pair of British backpackers in Thailand will be executed after their appeals were thrown out by the courts today. Read about our approach to external linking. Good episode, but infuriating for the same reasons as many others. Their bodies were found semi-naked and severely battered, and both had severe head wounds. In 2019, the mothers of Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun filed a plea for clemency from the King of Thailand on Thursday, in a case tainted by allegations of wrongdoing, saying the couples confessions were obtained under duress. The sister of a British backpacker murdered in Thailand died in a 'double tragedy' while nine weeks pregnant, an inquest has heard. A cruise employee has had his contract terminated after he was allegedly seen filming women from a female bathroom. David and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge were found bludgeoned to death on a beach on the Thai island of Koh Tao after they had been drinking in a bar. On September 16, 2019 she was found unresponsive in hospital shortly after speaking to staff and was pronounced dead. In a heartfelt statement read out by the coroner, her husband Lewis Daniels said: 'Laura was an incredible young lady who had so much desire to continue making the most of her life whilst having to deal with adversity very few people across the world will ever have to experience.'. The spotlight fell on British tourist Christopher Alan Ware, who shared a room with Miller, with police hinting at a crime of passion. Ware was arrested at Bangkoks main airport with his brother James. Hannah & David: Dirigido por John Barnard. The family of murdered backpacker Hannah Witheridge has been hit by a fresh tragedy with the sudden death of her sister. Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were found dead on the island of Koh Tao on 15 September last year. Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 22, initially confessed to the killings but later retracted their statements, saying they had been tortured. Not sure how I feel about the guilt of the 2 people charged. Write to Charlie Campbell at charlie.campbell@time.com. It doesnt seem like the two convicted of the murder actually committed it, but that leaves wiide open the question of who is actually attacking + murdering backpackers on this island, and why?! The names of the tourists were first announced in a Sky News tweet. Last month, the translators, who were used to obtain the now retracted confessions, admitted in court that they were roti (pancake) vendors who barely understood Thai and spoke little Burmese, the Myanmar Times reported. The defense appeals were exhausted in August and a royal pardon or commutation of the death sentence by the Thai king is the last chance for a pardon. Feel so sorry for their families. Hannah Witheridge, a backpacker who was murdered in Thailand, The family of Hannah Witheridge, has had their hearts broken by the second death of her sister who died in hospital, Laura Daniels. Basically, Myanmar shares a border with Thailand and is considerably lower on the economic development index so a lot of labour, both legal and illegal, is done by Myanmar people inside Thailand. In March 2015 Russian touristValentina Novozhyonova, 23,vanished from her hostel on Koh Tao in mid-February - sparking a police search. But there were also fears the. Most of tourists are coming here for diving or to admire our nature not to party, Arnuparp said, adding new zoning curbs would likely control all-night bars and clubs. Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were killed in 2014 By Stephanie Cockroft 15 August 2020 A pair of migrant workers convicted of murdering two young British tourists on a Thai holiday island. .06. Thai police initially blamed Burmese migrant workers (favorite targets, in the words of Paul Quaglia, a Bangkok-based risk analyst). Our hearts are broken, our lives shattered again, the statement said. When residents of the affluent Southfields area of south-west London notice foul smelling smoke coming from a home on Wimbledon Park Drive in September 2017, firefighters arrive to make sure the house.- Hren Sie Case 236: Sophie Lionnet von Casefile True Crime sofort auf Ihrem Tablet, Telefon oder im Browser - kein Herunterladen erforderlich. "The final admittance of their guilt has allowed this act of clemency to become possible," they continued. Nick Pearson, 25, was found floating in an island bay, at the foot of a 50ft drop on New Years Day 2014. "But in the end the truth has been revealed," the couple added. David Miller, 24, was found murdered on a beach on Koh Tao along with 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge. In a statement, Miss Witheridge's family said their daughter had been "taken from us in the most horrific way possible" and learning of her death had been an "indescribably impossible time". He may have been protecting fellow victim Hannah Witheridge. The two Myanmar men, in helmets and handcuffs, charged in the killings, were made to take part in a re-enactment of the crime.Credit:Reuters. According to the BBC, staff from the British embassy left for Koh Tao soon after the news broke of the murders. From the beginning, there were signs that the investigation was in trouble. His defense attorneys have also said that the evidence used to convict the two men was unreliable as authorities had mishandled the DNA and did not allow independent analysis of the samples. The bodies of 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller were found on a beach in Koh Tao in September 2014. Ms Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, hadbeen raped and bludgeoned to death while Mr Miller, 24, from Jersey, suffered shocking head injuries, according to police. David Miller, 24, from Jersey in the Channel Islands, had been backpacking across Asia and Australia before spending time on the popular party island of Koh Tao. But the trial recently heard that a garden hoe alleged to have been used in the killings carried the DNA of two men, but there was no trace of either defendant. Also, this may be controversial to say, but in reality we can never really take any sentiments shared by the family members (positive or negative) of the victims all that seriously (at least initially) because of how close they are to the cases. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. She died at Southampton General Hospital on September 16, 2019 - five years after her sister Hannah Witheridge, then 23, was found beaten to death on a Thailand beach. . Thailand receives over 20 million tourists each year, drawn by the pearl-white beaches, stunning temples and sumptuous food. British tourists David Miller, 24, and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge, seen here, were killed with a garden tool after a beach party early Sept. 15, 2014 in Thailand. Were working to restore it. The battered bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found on a beach on the popular tourist island of Koh Tao in September 2014. Cruise staffer fired after shock bathroom act. HARROWING photos of the corpses of English backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have surfaced online, traumatising their families. Laura Daniels, 30, died in hospital on Monday just five years and one day. He added: 'Life was never going to be easy or the same again, we shared difficult times but we found happiness together.'. Both had been in Thailand since August and had met just hours before their deaths. Critics, particularly those from the British media, have accused Thai authorities of bungling the investigation in the three weeks since the murders by chasing the wrong leads and failing to lock down the island in the hours following the killing. The trial of the two Burmese migrant workers was also plagued by accusations of human rights abuses. Sometime deep into the night, the friends wandered off, perhaps headed back to their bungalow resort nearby. A few days later, staff checked her room to discover her mobile phone, passport and camera had all been left behind. She really is a truly awful and unreliable person. The two men were convicted and sentenced in 2015 and the verdict was upheld by an appeals court in 2017 and the Supreme Court in August 2019. All Rights Reserved. In a statement, Ian and Sue Miller, who have campaigned against the death penalty, said: "We are grateful to His Majesty the King of Thailand for showing his clemency to the murderers of our son David. ITV reports that the suspect may be a friend of either Witheridge or Miller. Grieving: Hannah Witheridge's family at the headquarters of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok last year.Credit:Reuters. I here to deliver the same warning. Hannah Witheridge and David Miller are perfect strangers who hail from coastal towns in the UK. An autopsy examination showed that Ms. Witheridge had been raped. Laura Daniels, 30, died five years after her sister Hannah, 23, was killed on Koh Tao with David Miller of Jersey. View our online Press Pack. So those other people were probably also murdered, but I am SO tired of relatives saying "she didn't kill herself, she was so happy" being used as a real argument that someone didn't kill themself. Thai National police today charged two Myanmar men with murder and rape after they confessed to killing the pair, with AFP reporting their DNA matched traces at the crime scene on Koh Tao island. Mr Miller's family said their "daily thoughts" were still with their son a year after his death, adding he was "a unique and wonderful man". But far from attempting to address the issues of visitor safety, Thai army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the nations self-appointed Prime Minister following a May 22 military coup, has stoked outrage by pointing fingers at the victims. Sky News reports that Miller was chopped in the back and the side of his head, Witheridges injuries were to her head. Thailands tourist industry is already reeling from the effects of marital law. She is an absolute nut job with an inexplicable vendetta against Tao, who has been exiled from Thailand due to defamation charges (not just from this story), and her and her partner are supporters of the English Defence League and known racists. It is still unclear what prompted the killings. This was the first Casefile that Ive really questioned their research. Brit David Miller was bludgeoned to death The terrifying incident happened just a year before David Miller and Hannah Witheridge died. They will also have the opportunity to further reduce their sentences for good behavior. Killed in Thailand: British tourists Hannah Witheridge and David Miller. Jacob Thorburn For Mailonline Her death while pregnant was a 'double tragedy', area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp said as she recorded an open conclusion. Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk and David Miller, 24, of Jersey were bludgeoned to death with a wooden hoe as they walked back to their hotel room late at night. Lin and Phyo (also known asWin Zaw Htun)were sentenced to death for the murder of Mr Miller and the murder and rape of Ms Witheridge. A quick scan of English-language news portals for the booming resort of Pattaya one of the countrys most popular destinations reveals a shocking litany of muggings, phone snatchings, shootings, stabbings, fatal car crashes, drownings, and more, all involving visitors. The popular holiday spot has been dubbed 'death island' after a string of tourists died in shocking circumstances while holidaying there. The University of Essex student and her male compatriot David Miller, formerly of University of Leeds, were subsequently murdered. Her sister Hannah Witheridge was found dead on a beach in Thailand in 2014 . She had checked into the hostel on February 11 and was due to check out on February 16 but failed to do so. He made it seem important then it was dropped. Burmese bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of murder in 2015. Maybe I missed it but I dont think the fate of the guitar was addressed? Their sentences have been reviewed to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn's birthday and to show his "clemency". If anything happens to them we will then know their names, nationality and hotel, said Arnuparp Gaesornsuwan, director general of the Department of Tourism told AFP. . However, given the inconsistencies in the investigation, doubt is likely to remain no matter the verdict. being a glottal stop). To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Colonel Cherdpong also said that his department had not investigated rumours of a fight between Ms Witheridge and the son of a powerful Koh Tao politician on the night of the killings. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. There is other evidence that points to these deaths being murders, but family members saying that the victims weren't suicidal is not it. Today it emerged that two men had confessed to killing the pair. 'No one knows' what caused the death of Laura Daniels, 30, of Norfolk, despite extensive investigations, her family was told at a hearing in Winchester, Hampshire on Wednesday. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? However, no toxicology report was conducted. A UK autopsy later discovered Ben died of a transected aorta a rupture of the bodys largest artery rather than a broken neck. Really surprised me since he usually goes to great lenghts get it right, however butchered this one that should have been "easy". Two Burmese migrants who were convicted over the killings had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment in 2020. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. The pain of this loss is indescribable and our family needs a lot of time and privacy during this excruciating time.. Hannah Witheridge, from Hemsby, and David Miller, from Jersey, were found dead last September, David Miller's family released a new photograph of their son one year after his death in Thailand, Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin deny the murders of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, Chris Rock talks Oscars slap in live Netflix show, Everything Everywhere wins big ahead of Oscars, PM to end asylum claims from small boat arrivals, Mbappe breaks PSG goal record in win over Nantes, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court. Crowds of onlookers watched as the suspects were led to the rocky alcove along the shore where the two bodies were discovered. Hannah was also raped in the attack in September 2014. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. By Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk and David Miller, 24, of Jersey were bludgeoned to death with a wooden hoe as they walked back to their hotel room late at night on September 15, 2014, on the popular Sairee Beah. Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk and David Miller, 24, of Jersey were bludgeoned to death with a wooden hoe as they walked back to their hotel room late at night. Hannah Witheridge pictured on Facebook back in September 2013. He said he simply did not believe the killer would have taken the boat. "I'm not worried [about high public expectations] because I know how much the probe has been progressing. Blood spatters were not tested, he admitted. vanished from her hostel on Koh Tao in mid-February - sparking a police search, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Two workers from Myanmar, formerly called Burma, are on trial for the tourists' murders, but the case is quickly unravelling in court. The thing that struck me about this episode was the guitar. Please try again later. A bloodstained garden hoe, commonly used by beachside bars to dig fire pits, was found nearby and has now been confirmed as the principal murder weapon, along with a wooden club. The bodies of Miss Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller, from Jersey, were found on the resort island of Koh Tao . When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? Bricklayer Luke Miller was found at the bottom of a swimming pool at the Sunset Bar at Sairee Beach in January 2016. Then, just a few days later, a lawyer for the men insisted that the confession was false: the police had beaten it out of them. Burmese bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of murder in 2015. Credit: British Foreign Office That's when the killers pounced. The bodies of Miss Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller, from Jersey, were found on the resort island of Koh Tao in 2014. Thailand beach murders: Hannah Witheridge and David Miller may have argued in bar with gangsterBy Andy Lines KOH TAO: -- Police are also trying to trace a mystery western woman seen on CCTV running along the main street in the early hours on the night of the murdersMurdered British backpackers Ha. Thai authorities say IT manager Ben Harrington, 32, broke his neck when he crashed into an electricity pylon on a night-time moped ride on the island in August 2012. Burmese migrant workers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, also known as Win Zaw Htun, were found guilty of the murders and sentenced to death in December 2015. When the bodies of British tourists 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller were found brutally murdered on the remote Thai island of Koh Tao, the police immediately concluded that the killer had to be a foreigner, as a Thai person couldn't be capable of such brutality. Thanks for that. We are saying that by giving them the death penalty, they will lose the opportunity to do something good with their lives, lawyer Nadthasiri Bergman said at the time. Would love your thoughts, please comment. "They said they didn't do it, that the Thai police beat them until they confessed to something they didn't do. Under the scheme hotels will distribute the wristbands to new arrivals. Both were detained on the island and questioned by police who brought them to the crime scene to re-enact their alleged crimes, a standard part of criminal investigations in Thailand. The police commissioner for the island of Koh Tao, Lieutenant General Panya Mamen, told the Bangkok Post: Two of the suspects raped and killed Witheridge, the other witnessed the murder. A royal commutation does not require an admission of guilt, says the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? A post-mortem examination showed she had been raped. Sue Witheridge gave evidence at the inquest into the death of. Forensic examiners in Bangkok found water in his lungs and revealed that Miss. Finally, he said he did not think it was relevant that CCTV footage showed men fleeing from the area in clothing that was different to that worn by the Myanmar workers that night. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Both victims had been hit several times on the head; Witheridge had been raped, and Miller had been drowned. Beach cleaners discovered the. Although there were signs of sexual activity, investigators have not ascertained whether Witheridge was raped. Our hearts go out to the Witheridge family who are also coming to terms with the sudden trauma of the equally senseless ending of their Hannahs life, Mr Millers family said in a statement earlier this week. Two of the suspects raped and killed Witheridge while another witnessed the murder, Thai police told the Bangkok Post. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. And wasnt the English guy that was an initial suspect found with a blood stained guitar? The seemingly sluggish response was compounded by insensitive comments made by the coup-leading prime minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who was forced into a rare public apology after suggesting women wearing bikinis could be more vulnerable to attack. Meanwhile, David is fighting the other guy on the beach, during which time he swallows sea water. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. They had been bludgeoned to death. . Despite claims of a fall, he had no broken bones. They deny any involvement. Two Burmese workers were sentenced to death in 2015, after being found guilty of killing David Miller, 24, of Jersey, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, of Norfolk. The area plays host to a weekly beach party on Sunday nights. Matthew McConaugheys wife was among the passengers on board a Lufthansa flight struck by severe turbulence and has described the chaos. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/thailand-police-parade-burmese-killers-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller-in-front-of-cameras-on-koh-tao-30635263.html "DNA and forensics evidence relied on to convict Zaw Law and Wai Phyo, and sentence them to death in the Koh Tao murder case was fundamentally flawed and unreliable in terms of international standards.". My bets are that it was someone belonging to the Thai mafia. Burmese bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of murder in 2015. Also the two have no criminal history which seems unlikely they'd suddenly transform into vicious murderers and rapists - usually there is a history of violence. Defense lawyers argued that DNA from a garden hoe allegedly used as a murder weapon did not match samples taken from the men. And even Sairee was mispronounced. Fact is scarier than fiction A community following Casefile: True Crime Podcast!