Two Burmese immigrant workers have confessed to killing Jerseyman David Miller and a young woman from the UK in a brutal double-murder just over a fortnight ago and have now been charged with murder, rape and theft, according to police.
The bodies of David (24) and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge were discovered on a beach on the Thai diving resort island of Koh Tao on September 15.
Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang of the Royal Thai Police has been quoted widely in the Thai and international media saying that two of three Burmese workers questioned by police admitted murdering the pair. He said the other man denied involvement. Police have previously said they believe that more than one person was involved in the attacks.
The suspects - named only as Saw and Win in media reports - were paraded before cameras earlier today by the Royal Thai Police.
Last week police colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen said a reward of 700,000 baht - roughly £13,300 - was being offered for information leading to the arrests of the killers. Around 150 police officers were posted to Koh Tao as part of the murder investigation.
The Memorial Service will be held at 3 pm at Holy Trinity Church and is for David’s friends and family – the Millers have asked the media not to approach the congregation. David's parents paid tribute to him this week describing him as “very special” and as a young man who “brightened up the world”.
The States of Jersey Police, who have been supporting the Miller family, say that they have received official confirmation of the developments from their Thai counterparts.
In a statement released this morning, the police said: "The States of Jersey Police can confirm they have received official confirmation from Thai and UK authorities of the positive DNA enquiries conducted surrounding two suspects being held by the Thai authorities.
"Both Jersey and Norfolk Family Liaison Officers continue to work closely in support of both families."
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