Thai authorities have detailed the cause of death for a 17-year-old girl, Tunchanok Donhomla, who was allegedly killed by Australian national Simon Peter Carman. An autopsy revealed the teenager died from suffocation and a brain injury, with no other injuries noted, according to Colonel Anek Srathongyoo of Pattaya City Police.
Carman, 45, from Perth, has been charged with murder, concealing and moving a body, and taking a minor aged between 15 and 18 for sexual purposes. Police stated that Carman's DNA was found on Donhomla's body and that they have compiled "100 percent of the evidence" in the case. He was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport on June 26, two days after Donhomla was last seen alive on CCTV with him in his condo's foyer. Her body was discovered inside a black suitcase near railway tracks outside Pattaya.
Carman claims he acted in self-defense, alleging Donhomla attacked him with a knife during a dispute over money. He is currently being held at Pattaya Remand Prison. A murder conviction in Thailand can carry the death penalty or a prison sentence of 15 to 20 years.
Thongchai Donhomla, the girl's father, expressed relief at the update and his hope for justice. Police anticipate concluding their investigation this week, with prosecutors having until September 18 to indict Carman.
