Post-mortem examinations showed that the young backpackers, who. Hannah Witheridge & David Miller. 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. The two were said to have been backpackers going through the tiny island of Koh Tao. However, Zaw and Wai retracted their confession after they were allowed legal counsel, with a consulate lawyer for Myanmar alleging their clients had been beaten, tortured, and threatened to make the admissions necessary to close the widely publicized case. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, "This Septic Isle: Backpackers, Bloodshed and the Secretive World of Koh Tao", "Links revealed between police and migrants on Koh Tao", "Police: Still no suspect in killings of Britons on idyllic Thai island", "Thai king commutes death sentence of UK pair's killers", "Thailand: Hannah Witheridge 'raped by two men before being killed', "Thailand backpacker murders: David Miller and Hannah Witheridge - two lives cut short", "Thailand murders: Victims' families talk of senseless killings", "Hannah Witheridge's family pay tribute to "beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman", "British backpackers murdered in Thailand named as Hannah Witheridge and David Miller", "Thailand murders: Amnesty International call for police torture probe", Koh Samui Provincial Court No. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Witheridge was a graduate from the University of East Anglia who had been studying for a masters degree in speech and language therapy. [80][81], The Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, said "[foreign female tourists] think our country is beautiful and safe and they can do whatever they want, wear bikinis wherever they like. The bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found on a beach on Koh Tao in September 2014. But in the early hours of 15 September last year the pair, who were together on the beach after leaving a nearby bar, died next to each other in the most horrific circumstances. The DNA specialist conceded the perpetuators could've used gloves. Death Island on Apple Podcasts Hannah Witheridge and David Miller's bodies were found on a beach in Koh Tao in September 2014. "Our thoughts are also with the Witheridge family and the tragic loss of their daughter. Hannah, 23, from Hemsby, Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were found dead on the island of Koh Tao on September 15. Sky News reports that Miller was chopped in the back and the side of his head, Witheridges injuries were to her head. Photograph: PA The island, two hours by boat from the nearest airport, has a low-key, undeveloped feel. These illegal workers often reside with friends on the island, making it difficult to identify them. However, the death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment following a royal decree commemorating King Vajiralongkorns birthday. However, according to Rhys Bonney, an immigration adviser to expats in Thailand, even the legality of scuba-diving instructors is an extremely gray area as Thai work permits are specific to particular company premises. How Did Steven Beirnes Die? This is the wild west.. True Crime: In September of 2014, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found on Koh Tao's famous Sairee beach, dead. Case 220: Hannah Witheridge & David Miller. [71], A lawyer for the men, Nakhon Chomphuchat, said "we will appeal as soon as we can, we have just got a copy of the court's verdict. His former headteacher described him as a bright young man and a talented artist, with real potential to forge a worthwhile and fruitful path in his life. The largest and most developed is Koh Samui, which also boasts the archipelagos only international airport. Some work on fishing boats for years without seeing land, getting passed between trawlers, catching fish, squid and shrimp for American dinner tables. The Case of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller-Death Island However, the event did not materially affect tourism to the island over the following years. Naturally, a pall of silence engulfs this clannish, cliquey atoll, owing in no small part to the legal standing of its foreign contingent. A royal decree said the sentences had been reviewed to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn's birthday on 28 July and to "illustrate the king's clemency". . [4][11][14] Their bodies were discovered on Sairee Beach a few hours later, between 4 and 5am, by a mute Burmese beach cleaner. Mr Miller's family said they were "grateful" to the Thai king. [4], The victims of the murders were Hannah Witheridge, a 23-year-old from Hemsby, England, and David Miller, a 24-year-old from Jersey, a Crown Dependency. Direct quotations from the trial are unavailable, as the judges did not permit the public to take notes. [3] The murders were the first cases of homicide on the island in over eight years. What Have Happened to Hannah Witheridge and David Miller? Where Have [51] This decision was criticised by the Solicitors International Human Rights Group, one of the observers at the trial. Many raised concerns that contamination cast doubt upon the forensic evidence: officials, journalists and tourists were seen walking around the crime scene, and Thai police did not use trained or independent specialists to collect forensic evidence. The next in size is Koh Phangan, home of the infamous Full Moon parties, with a reputation for drugs and debauchery. The crimes brutality amid Koh Taos insular, backpacker charm caused an international sensation and threatened to further weaken a tourist industry already reeling from the military coup of May 22, 2014, which saw hundreds arbitrarily detained and draconian new controls imposed on freedom of speech and assembly. Killed in Thailand: British tourists Hannah Witheridge and David Miller. In September 2014, the 23-year-oldUniversity of East Anglia graduate, who had been studying for a masters degree in speech and language therapy. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Both were. Indian officials wife distraught as his killer is freed. Around three weeks ago, on September 15, their bodies were found together . British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were killed in September 2014, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were convicted of the murders in a Thai court and originally sentenced to death, The bodies of Mr Miller and Miss Witheridge were found on a beach on the Thai island of Koh Tao, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Hannah Witheridge & David Miller: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. The families that run the island and police that guard it deny any involvement with narcotics. (Police deny these allegations.). Laura Daniels, 30, has died five years after sister Hannah, 23,. According to reports, both men were 22-year-old illegal migrant workers from Rakhine, Myanmar, who worked in the hospitality industry. During the trial, the prosecution also claimed Davids stolen phone was discovered smashed at the home of a friend of Zaw Lins. Her family parents Tony and Sue, brother Paul and sisters Tania and Laura described Witheridge as a beautiful person, inside and out, saying she would have gone on to make a significant difference to the lives of many people. [26][27] However, her clothes were not tested for DNA. Two Burmese workers were sentenced to death in 2015,. Thai king commutes sentence of UK pairs killers, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies. Photograph: PA. Rights groups have said the pair were used as scapegoats by the . [35][84] Despite not initially being permitted to assist with the investigation,[33] British police observers including homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police and a forensics expert were eventually permitted into Thailand to observe the investigation. Scared is right. Both victims had been hit several times on the head; Witheridge had been raped, and Miller had been drowned. The police investigation and criminal trial were widely criticised by international media, human rights organisations, and legal experts. I'm asking if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? Burmese people are treated as second-class citizens, says Saksith. Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, a seaside town on the English east coast, had been raped and killed by blows to the head. For while the surf has washed the blood from the sand, and life returns to normal for the islands hodgepodge of wealthy and penniless inhabitants, one fact remains clear: not just the boulders hide secrets on Koh Tao. The brutality of the incident shook the islands and its tourists and residents as the investigators began their probe under immense media and political pressure. Millers family also expressed confidence in the Thai judicial process, saying the evidence against the defendants seemed powerful and convincing. Case over Hannah Witheridge and David Miller's deaths on Thai island Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 22-year-old ethnic Rakhine from Burmas restive Arakan state, were arrested on Oct. 2. Thai beach murders: Death sentence upheld by Supreme Court Hannah Witheridge & David Miller: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know Others labor for long hours under the burning sun farming pineapples, exposed to hazardous doses of pesticides and other chemicals. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles, This Septic Isle: Backpackers, Bloodshed and the Secretive World of Koh Tao. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [1][15][21], During an hours-long interrogation, during which the police used Burmese food vendors as interpreters[35] because the pair could not speak Thai,[41] the suspects confessed to the murders. They threatened to kill me, saying: We can throw you into the sea and feed your corpse to the fish.. But come on. Mau Mau claimed he left on his motorcycle and returned home later to find his co-riders asleep. [92], Thailand's government became concerned the murders may affect tourism to the country. (Both families declined to comment when contacted by TIME.). Hannah Victoria Witheridge was born in Hemsby, Great Yarmouth Borough, in Norfolk, England, on October 15, 1990. "[78] Another commentary in the paper stated that the "overwhelming public skepticism stems from the police's longstanding notoriety for arresting poor and powerless scapegoats to save rich criminals who can afford to buy their innocence". 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. After finally receiving independent legal counsel, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, who had no prior criminal records, claimed they had been tortured during interrogation and recanted. On 15 September, the bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found on Sairee Beach on the island of Koh Tao, between 4 and 5 am, a few hours after their deaths.Both victims had been hit several times on the head; Witheridge had been raped, and Miller had been drowned. So, if youre interested in finding out more about the case, including the perpetrators identities, heres what we know. [14][22] The police moved the bodies to prevent them being swept up in the rising tide. 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. The family said it had brought to a close a "lengthy and disturbing period" where activists on social media had attempted to influence justice in Thailand and public opinion elsewhere. White sand beaches, untouched jungles, cloudless skies. According to reports, David and Hannah arrived separately on the island with their friends on August 25, 2014. Wai Phyo, a Real Madrid fanatic who idolizes FIFA world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo, moves a virtually hairless top lip as he talks. Two Burmese migrants were convicted over the killings of Hannah Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller, from Jersey, in 2015. More recently, a court order to allow Dr. Pornthip to review the DNA evidence was rescinded. Read about our approach to external linking. These rocks are no strangers to explosive secrets. Analytical Services; Analytical Method Development and Validation A mute Burmese beach cleaner stumbled upon the bodies shortly after dawn the following morning on Sairee Beach, near Hannahs room A5 at Ocean View Bungalows. News reports stated officers rounded up200 alleged suspects, most migrant workers, and used mass DNA testing. He was brought in for questioning on October 1, and he stated he was not present when the murders took place. V z 2014 23let absolventka University of East Anglia, kter studovala magistersk titul v oboru logopedie. Miller had scratches on his back and water in his lungs indicating drowning. [88][89] Hacker group Anonymous published a video on 3 January 2016 criticising the verdict. 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. Hannah Witheridge & David Miller Murders: Where Are Zaw Lin & Wai Phyo Zaw and Wai were subjected to hours-long interrogation sessions, with the police using Burmese food vendors as interpreters since the pair did not speak Thai. Death Island: The Case of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller en Apple Hannah Witheridge, 23,front left, from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, middle right, from Jersey, were brutally killed on the island of Koh Tao last September [31] Media reports speculated that was because the defence was wary of calling on foreign experts fearing it could appear as undermining the Thai justice system, and could bias the judges against their case. One of Wai Phyos former employers, who saw him soon after Sept. 15 and noticed no perceivable change in his demeanor, has refused to be a character witness or be named by TIME. Death Island on Apple Podcasts [48], The guilty verdict resulted in widespread protests in Myanmar. Few of the visitors on Sairee Beach today are even aware the murders took place. [1] Police revealed that the samples from Witheridge's body were used up,[62][27] but were able to provide DNA samples from the murder weapon. (Thailand is the worlds third-largest seafood exporter.) Their death sentences were reduced to life in prison after they were . They were identified as 24-year-old David Miller and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge, [] View Photo Gallery (PIX11/CNN) A British man and woman were found dead on a popular resort island in . Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? The island of Koh Tao is located in Southern Thailand. He was ultimately arrested a few hours later while hiding on the vessel. This was very different. 23 Sep 2014. Sister of murdered backpacker Hannah Witheridge was pregnant when she The BBC reports that police in the area believe the man has already escaped Koh Tao. On July 10, the bench again ordered the DNA to be retested, only for the police to reveal that certain key samples specifically those retrieved from the victims bodies had been used up. Thailand backpacker murders: Burmese workers sentenced to death Murdered backpacker's family fight against of attackers death He announced that he had "ordered all security-related agencies to track down those who are behind the Myanmar demonstrations". david and hannah thailand crime scene photos - flagpin.com They flee extreme poverty and ethnic violence in Burma (officially now known as Myanmar), the legacy of a half-century of civil war and suffocating military dictatorship. Despite so many alleged loopholes in the investigation procedure, the court found Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo guilty of murder and sentenced them to death on December 24, 2015. They were at the bar with around 50 people mostly foreign tourists before they left together after 1:00 am. Murderers of Brit backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller to be
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