Death for man who killed 4
A man who shot four people dead, wounded three others and damaged seven vehicles after an argument with his ex-wife last year was handed a death sentence yesterday.
The Saraburi Court found Anuchai Noithai, 41, guilty as charged, after witness testimony and evidence showed he had prepared a shotgun, gasoline and a letter for his parents in case he died. Anuchai's defence of mental illness - based on his medical record of being admitted to a Bangkok mental hospital and the Sri Thanya Psychiatrist Hospital - was deemed weak. A medical report last August also indicated that he suffered from depression and stress, not clinical mental illness. Although Anuchai pleaded guilty to 15 counts of crimes including illegal possession of a firearm, destruction of property, and premeditated and attempted murder, the court saw his confession as resulting from his failure to rebuff evidence and declined to reduce his punishment. On hearing the verdict, the defendant went pale and dropped to his knees. In court was Anuch's ex-wife Somneuk Morya who survived the rampage. She said she was pleased with the decision, as justice was served. On the night of April 27, 2005, after failing to make up with Somneuk, Anuchai shot her, her daughter Parichart, her 70-year-old mother Khanthong, and 28-year-old brother Pradit, at her home in Phra Buddhabhat.
|
