US Diplomat Brutally Killed in Myanmar; Ex-Wife Charged, Faces Death Penalty
Daniel Riva, 43, was found with stab wounds to the head and neck at a hotel near the US Embassy in Myanmar. His ex-wife has been arrested and charged with murder, which carries a possible death sentence.
A shocking crime has emerged in Myanmar: a 43-year-old US diplomat was found murdered at a hotel located just 1.6 kilometers from the US Embassy. Daniel Riva, who specialized in fighting organized crime, had sustained multiple stab wounds to his head and neck.
The "Sakura Residence & Hotel" is a popular spot for diplomats, businesspeople, and other foreign visitors. Before his assignment to Myanmar, Riva had worked in Suriname and East Timor.
Local authorities soon arrested his ex-wife, Pavinee Supasirivisana, a Thai national. She has been charged with murder, which carries a minimum of 10 years in prison or the death penalty. On Tuesday, she also faced a court hearing for violating Myanmar's immigration law, which applies to any foreigner who commits a crime in the country and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
The couple married in 2018, but it is unclear when they separated. Supasirivisana studied culinary arts at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu school and later launched a cooking-focused YouTube channel.
Myanmar authorities rarely communicate with the media; police and the court have not commented, and journalists are not allowed to attend court sessions. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that consular assistance has been provided to the suspect but declined to offer further details. The US State Department confirmed the diplomat's death but refused to provide additional information.
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