Accused killer Simon Peter Carman reportedly broke down after receiving a text message from his mother following his arrest for the murder of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla. The Western Australian man is accused of killing the teenager, stuffing her body in a suitcase, and dumping it near railway tracks in Pattaya before attempting to flee the country on a Jetstar flight to Perth.
Mother initially believed CCTV was AI-generated
According to a police source cited by the Daily Mail, Carman's mother, Wendy Carman, initially believed that CCTV footage showing her son with the teenage girl before her death was generated using artificial intelligence as part of a scam. However, after seeing her son pictured in the media in connection with the alleged murder, she sent him a frantic message.
Phone returned after arrest
Reports indicate that the first message Carman saw after authorities returned his mobile phone following his arrest was from his mother. A police source explained: "There is a period of time after his arrest but before the first court appearance, when a judge decides whether a suspect gets bail or is moved to a detention centre. During those hours, if it's no longer needed as part of police evidence, you can use your phone."
Carman became emotional
The source added that Carman became emotional after reading the contents of his mother's message. "He broke down and said, 'Even my mum's heard about it,'" the source said. "He got very upset when he read that message from her, and I think the reality of the situation finally sank in. He had given his statement in a very matter-of-fact way before that."
Charges and potential penalties
Carman is charged with the teen's murder and is being held in Pattaya Remand Prison. If convicted, he faces the death penalty or life imprisonment. The case has garnered significant attention due to the gruesome nature of the crime and the international implications.
