The judgment in the trial of Gordon Adrian Koschwitz, 33, a German who allegedly killed Raphael Bauman, 33, his Swiss friend, is due on August 31, 2005. His lawyer, a Chiang Mai resident and another friend declares himself ready to defend him at no cost.

Kiettisak Phantawong, attorney-at-law dealing with Gordon’s case.

Gordon was apprehended in Chiang Mai on October 11, 2004 after having allegedly slain his friend in a private house in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai.

A foreign witness said that the dead man was irritable and aggressive. He had been introduced to Gordon by another Swiss man, and later moved to stay with the suspect but died the next day.

Kiettisak Phantawong, International Legal Counselor Office, and attorney-at-law, who is dealing with Gordon’s case, said that he knew the German and, on the day the event happened, Gordon called him to tell him that a man had died in his house. Kiettisak then informed the police on his behalf.

He believes that the suspect did not kill the Swiss man because if he had done so, he would have fled before telling others. There was nothing at the scene indicating an argument or violence, but forensic evidence is awaited and, if the evidence points to Gordon as the killer, he could be sentenced to death.

“I am ready to testify to my foreign friend’s innocence and willing to help him as best as I can, without any charge,” the attorney proclaimed.

To a question regarding the background of the case, the lawyer said that he knew Gordon used to be a Thai police informant about drug usage among foreigners in Chiang Mai and the northern region. Gordon’s house had once burned down and no cause was found, leading to police suspecting arson.

Gordon Adrian Koschwitz, 34, a German living in Chiang Mai for five years, was arrested and charged with killing Raphael Bauman, 33, his Swiss friend who lived in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. He was remanded in prison, but claimed he was not guilty.

Gordon Adrian Koschwitz, 34, charged with murder. (File photo Chiangmai Mail)

However, on August 31 he was sentenced to death by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court. The prosecuting attorney presented documents and proof from the Forensic Medicine Institute, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, indicating that the offender had used a blunt instrument to beat his friend to death.

The defendant’s denial of guilt was insufficient to sway the court and he was given the death penalty. However, he has the right to appeal to the Appeals Court within 30 days. Meanwhile, he has taken up residence at Chiang Mai Central Prison.