Arrest of Moroccan National Linked to Doctor’s Murder
Authorities have apprehended a Moroccan national, Bilal Chefinu, in Turkey, who is wanted for the murder of a doctor in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This arrest comes after a two-month international manhunt initiated by Thai police and Interpol.
Details Surrounding the Murder Investigation
The victim, Thitikarn Dulikanon, also known as Dr. Sammy, was found dead in her clinic on December 6, 2024. Investigators believe the murder occurred two days earlier, on December 4. Surveillance footage revealed that Chefinu entered the clinic with Dr. Sammy and left alone in her car shortly after the incident.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Arrest
- December 4, 2024: Dr. Sammy and Chefinu are seen entering the clinic together.
- December 5, 2024: Chefinu is captured on CCTV leaving the clinic around 2:00 AM and later boarding a flight to Hong Kong.
- December 6, 2024: Dr. Sammy’s body is discovered by a housekeeper.
Following the incident, police secured an arrest warrant for Chefinu and sought Interpol’s assistance to track him down internationally.
Extradition Process Underway
After his arrest at a hotel in Turkey, authorities are now coordinating with Turkish officials to facilitate Chefinu’s extradition back to Thailand. The Chiang Mai police are preparing for his arrival to face charges of intentional homicide.
Motive Behind the Crime
Investigators suspect that jealousy may have been a motive for the murder. It has been reported that Chefinu was Dr. Sammy’s former partner, and they had separated about a year prior to the incident. The case has garnered significant media attention due to its tragic nature and the profile of the victim as a prominent figure in Chiang Mai’s medical community.
This ongoing investigation continues to unfold as authorities work diligently to bring justice for Dr. Sammy and her family.