Police said this afternoon that forensics indicate that a popular model found dead in the lobby of a Bangkok condominium last week died hours before she was left there.
Thitim “Bell” Noraphanpiphat, who’s referred to online by her nickname “Lunlabelle,” died between 3pm and 7pm on Sept. 16, meaning at least six hours before the man she was last seen with left her body in his lobby.
Update: Man who took dead model to his room arrested on sexual assault charges: police
As investigations into the mysterious death of Thitim “Bell” Noraphanpiphat continues, in a press conference today.
Regional police chief Samrit Tongtao gave the generous four-hour window to her time of death at a Tuesday afternoon briefing. He added that the new information has forced police to reconsider some of their information.
“The factor surrounding the time of death is forcing us to reevaluate some of the existing evidence and witnesses we have,” he said. Samrit said that authorities “almost” have all the information they need to finalize charges.
Attention in the closely scrutinized case has turned to the smartwatch she was wearing on Monday. Biometric information obtained from it indicates that her heart stopped at 5pm, which would have been just after Rachadech Wongthabutr posted a video of her passed out at a private party. If she died at 5pm, it would mean that she was dead the entire time he took her home, and up to his room where he kept her for six hours.
Investigators Friday said they believed she was sexually assaulted.
Though Samrit said police might the smartwatch data would be considered, it was not a medically certified device.
Thitim was found early Tuesday morning by her friends after they tracked her down to Rachadech’s condo. He said he took him there from a private house party they were hired to entertain people at because she was too drunk. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Police said Monday they hoped to obtain an arrest warrant and file charges that would stick by Wednesday.
Related:
Police move to charge Rachadech with charges related to model’s death
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
