An American diplomat found murdered in a luxury Myanmar hotel was allegedly stabbed in the head and neck by his ex-wife, who could now face the death penalty on murder charges.
Daniel Riva, a 43-year-old New York native who specialized in tackling international organized crime, was found dead last month at the Sakura Residence & Hotel, which is just a mile from his office at the US Embassy in Yangon.
His ex-wife, Pavinee Supasirivisan, was arrested on murder charges soon after, according to local authorities. If convicted, she faces at least 10 years in prison and possibly the death penalty.
The Thai national appeared in court on Tuesday accused of also violating Myanmar’s immigration code, which applies to any foreign national who commits a crime there. She will stand trial on that charge, with a possible sentence of five years in prison, before facing the murder charge.
Riva, from East Norwich, Long Island, tied the knot with Supasirivisan, a pastry chef, in June 2018, the Times of London reported. It was unclear when they separated.
The diplomat worked in Suriname in South America and then East Timor in Asia before being stationed at the US Embassy in Yangon.
Fellow American diplomat Fausto De Guzman said he was honored to have worked with him.
“Dan lived life to the fullest, often exploring the island on his motorbike and embracing every adventure,” he posted on an online obituary.
“He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and brought warmth and generosity wherever he went. He will be deeply missed.”
Matt Grant, a childhood friend, described him as a “brother.”
“For 40 years, he was part of every chapter of my life, from my earliest memories to the person I became,” he said.
“We met in nursery school — the only school we ever attended together — and formed a bond that became a brotherhood. He was effortlessly cool, endlessly curious and the most kind, caring, hilarious and thoughtful person I have ever known.”
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is embroiled in fighting between the country’s military-led government, which ousted democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, and a disparate group of militias organized by the country’s ethnic minority groups and pro-democracy forces.
The State Department confirmed a death – but declined to provide further details.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones, we have no further information to provide at this time,” it said.
Thailand’s foreign ministry previously said it had provided assistance to the woman in custody and notified her family.
With Post wires.
