MURDER CHARGE

U.S. Diplomat Allegedly Stabbed to Death by Ex-Wife

Daniel Riva was found dead after being stabbed in the head and neck.

A United States diplomat was stabbed to death in the head and neck in Myanmar, and his ex-wife, Pavinee Supasirivisan, is the alleged murderer. Daniel Riva, 43, from Long Island, New York, was found dead on May 11 in the Sakura Residence and Hotel. The hotel is located just one mile away from the U.S. embassy, making it a popular location for U.S. diplomats and other visitors. According to an attorney familiar with the case, the Thai woman appeared in her second hearing at Kamayut Township Court in Myanmar on Tuesday for an immigration-related charge associated with foreigners committing a crime in the country. The attorney chose to remain anonymous, the Associated Press reported. Supasirivisan could face a sentence of six months to five years for the immigration charge, and another ten years or a potential death penalty on the murder charge. Officials and witnesses who have testified in court are hesitant to speak to the media and investigators on the case due to the strict government regulations, along with journalists being prohibited from court hearings, but it is confirmed that there were three prosecution witnesses who testified during Tuesday’s hearing, and two legal representatives for the defendant. It is unclear whether Supasirivisan has pleaded guilty to the charge.