Speaking at an afternoon press conference, a top metro police official said an arrest wasn’t likely to happen until Wednesday.
Speaking about the case, regional chief Samrit Tongtao declined to confirm whether the three charges earlier reported would be filed against the suspect, only saying they were “very close” to what investigators were pursuing.
“We know the cause of death now, which puts us a lot more at ease. … If we manage to question five more witnesses today as planned, I think we will be able to finalize the charges as well as warrants Wednesday,” Maj. Gen. Samrit said, adding that they would likely only target one person despite rumors that others may have been involved.
Update:‘Pretty’ Lunlabelle was dead all night, long before her body left in lobby: police
Police this morning have begun the process to obtain a warrant to arrest the man who left a woman later found dead in the lobby of his Bangkok condominium, according to several local media outlets.
In the latest development to a case which has become a national obsession, Bukkhalo police have provided the Thonburi Criminal Court with evidence to support three charges against 25-year-old Rachadech Wongthabutr, who one week ago took Thitim “Bell” Noraphanpiphat, a popular promotional model, home from an event where she was last seen alive.
Rachadech will be charged with false imprisonment, sexual assault and fatal reckless endangerment.
The case has gripped the nation, with many calling for Rachadech’s arrest since late last week. Newly released autopsy results cited alcohol poisoning as the cause of Thitim’s death.
This is a developing story and may be updated without notice.
Related:
In final hours, Bangkok model left trail of clues (Interactive Timeline)
Sinister messages emerge as birthday-funeral held for Thai model
Dead model left in lobby likely sexually assaulted, examination finds
Bangkok man denies leaving drugged model for dead in condo lobby
