There’s a darker side of humanity that somehow deigns to show itself from time to time in some people no matter what stature in life they might have reached.  Every profession has its fair share of criminals, and the poker industry is not exempted. Ron Fanelli, a talented poker pro, has recently confessed to the murder of a Thai prostitute in order to avoid a death sentence.

Ron Fanelli’s Story

Not many of the newer poker fans will probably even recall this guy’s name, but Ron Fanelli was something of a celebrity in the early days of poker. He was certainly a talented player and at one point in his life, he raked in a lot of cash from tournaments, cash games, and he even mingled with the big wigs in the industry. However, it all came crashing down when Fanelli’s luck ran out.

His winning streak came to an abrupt end, but he didn’t let that stop him from playing. Instead, he started borrowing money from all his friends. He even took to sleeping on his friends’ houses just so he could continue playing. He even worked as a dealer, which surely took a great emotional toll on him, considering that he used to be like those people he served. He tried really hard, but that’s how it is in the poker world, sometimes, Lady Luck turns her back on you and you have to find other avenues for success. Fanelli eventually had to concede, and when he met a Thai woman, he decided to move to Phuket with her.

However, he was unable to stay happy in that new life he chose, and it was evident in his blog that he soon grew tired of the woman he chose. In the end, the woman left him, and Fanelli soon ended up with someone else. He began a family with that other Thai woman, but he had gambling problems and was therefore unable to support them, so the woman left him. It was at that point in his life that he began seeing prostitutes.

The Downward Spiral

His motive for murdering Pianchai Wanphen, one of the prostitutes, is mainly unknown, but sadism like that simply comes natural for some people. As it was, Fanelli stabbed the woman and chopped her body into smaller pieces. He then took the parts and placed them inside a suitcase that he deposited into an isolated island. Of course, he was promptly caught by the police and brought to trial. Had he not confessed, he would have faced a death sentence.

Other People Found This Page When Searching For: