A Moroccan man confesses to the brutal murder of an Austrian DJ on the paradise island of Ko Phangan. Police are pursuing murder charges after Anas Rakib, 37, admitted to killing Max Hartl, 42, in a heated altercation during a weekend party with friends.
Police on Ko Phangan have arrested a 37-year-old Moroccan national for the alleged murder of an Austrian DJ on the paradise island. A senior police officer confirmed that murder charges are being pursued. The North African was taken into custody by police just hours after brutally cutting down 42-year-old Max Hartl. The confrontation between the two men came after Anas Rakib stormed out of Mr Hartl’s home during a weekend party. A heated quarrel between the two men, reportedly close friends, arose at the get-together at the Austrian’s residence.
Another chilling murder has sent shockwaves through the serene island of Ko Phangan. Police on Friday announced the arrest of Moroccan national Anas Rakib, aged 37.
The North African was detained in connection with the brutal murder of Austrian DJ Max Hartl.
The idyllic setting of the paradise island in Surat Thani province was once again shattered on Friday. It follows a string of such incidents in recent years.
Previously, in August 2023, 29-year-old Spaniard Daniel Sancho Bronchalo was arrested for butchering his gay lover, a 44-year-old plastic surgeon from Colombia. The sensational case is still before the Thai courts.
Brutal murder not far from the Austrian’s home. He pursued his killer who later viciously cut him down with a steel implement. Blows to the head and face
This happened when Hartl’s lifeless body was discovered beside a small road at the foot of a hill. It bore the disturbing signs of foul play.
Police were able to discern evidence of extensive blunt force trauma to the European man’s head and face.
According to police reports, witnesses implicated Rakib. Certainly, he was the last person seen with the victim before the grisly discovery of his body.
Acting swiftly on this lead, law enforcement authorities apprehended the Moroccan on Friday. The arrest came just hours after Hartl’s body was found.
The suspect was taken to the Ko Phangan district police station.
At length, he was thoroughly questioned by senior police officers.
Killer and his victim had a relationship
The investigative team was led by Police Colonel Sirichai Suksart, the deputy chief of Surat Thani police. Also included was Police Colonel Panya Nirattimanont, the superintendent of Ko Phangan district police station.
In brief, key details emerged from the interrogation. Police learned more about the relationship between the victim and the accused.
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It was revealed that Rakib and Hartl shared a friendship, adding a perplexing layer to the unfolding narrative. Hartl’s sister, Martina Shelley, told the investigating team that her brother had served as a DJ at a restaurant on the island.
This was for over an extensive period of seven years. During that time he had become well-liked within the local community.
Weekend party at the DJ’s Ko Phangan home turned sour leading the 37-year-old Moroccan to storm out after a heated quarrel took place between the two
She told officers that Hartl had organised a party with eight or nine companions at his residence. This was nestled at the foot of a hill. The party took place before a murderous encounter occurred outside between Mr Hartl and the Moroccan suspect.
Shelley speculated that a disagreement during the gathering may have spiralled into a violent altercation. This ultimately led to her brother’s vicious murder.
In the course of a media briefing, Police Colonel Sirichai divulged that Rakib had confessed to the crime during questioning.
The admission came after initial investigations uncovered evidence suggesting that the victim and the suspect had been engaged in a drinking session at Hartl’s residence.
This indeed had quickly escalated into a heated argument.
Austrian tried to prevent the Morrocan from leaving
Rakib told officers that he attempted to depart from the premises, only to be met with resistance from Hartl.
In effect, this caused a violent confrontation.
‘The suspect claimed that he asked to leave but the house owner did not let him go, so they started quarrelling,’ Police Colonel Sirichai explained
In a chilling sequence of events recalled by Rakib, police were told how Hartl met his end.
The suspect told how, following their altercation at Hartl’s residence, he left the premises. However, he was pursued by the victim.
Their confrontation spilt onto a nearby roadside.
Both parties injured in a violent fight that took place near the residence of the Austrian who died from severe blunt force trauma to his head and face
Rakib purportedly took a steel implement from Hartl’s pickup truck.
He used it to attack his former friend delivering fatal blows to his head, face and neck area. Amidst the chaos, it emerged that both parties sustained injuries.
Rakib reportedly also suffered wounds to his head and neck during the altercation.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are diligently gathering evidence to substantiate the charge of murder against Mr Rakib.
Police Colonel Sirichai afterwards affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice for Hartl’s murder.
He emphasised the violence used in this crime. A brutal act had been committed and the Moroccan was facing a murder charge.
He said police efforts were at this time focused on finalising a meticulous case to successfully prosecute the Morrocan for the killing.
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Further reading:
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