A former star of the reality dating show Love Is Blind: Argentina has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to kill his ex-wife. Santiago Martinez, who appeared on the popular Netflix series, was convicted of attempted murder, repeated assault, and unlawful detention.
Background of the Case
In 2024, Martinez became engaged to Emily Ceco after meeting on the show. The couple later married in a civil ceremony and were planning a second wedding when Ceco ended their relationship in February 2025. Ceco alleged that Martinez had physically abused her, including giving her a black eye.
The Attack and Trial
During the trial, Ceco testified that Martinez choked her and smothered her with a pillow, preventing her from breathing. She told the court that he refused to let her leave, forcing her to run away and file a complaint. On Argentine public broadcast station Television Publica, Ceco repeatedly stated that Martinez tried to kill her.
Following the sentencing, Ceco described her emotional reaction. 'I instantly burst into tears. My body was shaking. I felt like I had taken a backpack off my shoulders and that I was going to have peace after a long time. I was going to be able to sleep and continue with my life and be able to enjoy life like I fought for,' she shared.
Martinez's Denials
During the trial, Martinez posted on social media denying the attempted murder. In a since-deleted post, he wrote: 'The first thing I want to say is that I do not justify violence in any way, and I was the first to acknowledge my mistake and to apologise privately, and today I take responsibility for what I did. But that does not mean I take responsibility for trying to kill the woman I loved.'
Ceco's Statement
After the verdict, Ceco shared a statement on Instagram expressing her feelings. 'It's not just a closure... it's to remove a story that marked me deeply. There were days of so much fear, of feeling lost, of not knowing how to go on. And there was also something in me that, even in the darkest moments, chose not to give up.'
She thanked her family, supporters, and attorneys, saying: 'Thank you to my family, for holding me even when I couldn't hold myself. Thank you to every person who wrote to me, who hugged me with words, who didn't let go of me. Thanks to those who, without knowing me, chose to accompany me anyway. And especially, thank you to my attorneys, for walking through this process with me, for delivering, for patience, and for never giving up on me.'
Ceco concluded: 'This doesn't erase the experience. But today I feel like a part of my story was heard. I'm still healing, more aware, stronger, and deeply grateful. Today my life begins anew.'
