‘Love Is Blind: Argentina’ star gets 15 years for trying to kill his co-star fiancée, and her words outside court will stay with you

A former contestant from Love Is Blind: Argentina, Santiago Martínez, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the attempted murder of his ex-partner and co-star, Emily Ceco. The conviction follows a series of events that began after their relationship on the popular Netflix dating show.

Martínez, who was 29 when he joined the show in 2024, met Ceco, then 24, during filming. As reported by UNILAD, the couple’s journey on the series culminated in a civil ceremony, and they began planning a private wedding before Ceco alleged Martínez’s behavior took a dark turn during preparations.

The situation escalated in February 2025 when Ceco reported Martínez for gender-based violence, presenting with a black eye. A court issued a restraining order against him, their engagement was called off, and he was removed from the series. On March 25, the court handed down a 15-year sentence, convicting him of attempted murder, repeated assault, and unlawful detention. Prosecutors had sought 16 years and rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a shorter term.

She wasn’t just relieved, she was still afraid of what comes after

Following the sentencing, Ceco spoke about her complex feelings outside court. “I have 15 years of peace ahead,” she said. “I don’t know what will happen when he gets out, but I hope the justice system continues to protect me.

If he tried to kill me when I gave him everything, I can’t imagine what he might do to me or my family after 15 years of anger.” She also told local Argentinean press, “I can’t believe it. I feel it’s over, I’m finally going to have peace. Justice has been done.”

On the stand, Ceco admitted she was terrified to face Martínez again. “My whole body was shaking,” she said. During his statement, Martínez apologized and claimed he still loved her.

Ceco chose not to respond, but her brother addressed Martínez directly: “If you loved her so much, why did you almost kill her? You beat her up, coward.” The sentencing drew significant attention online, amid a broader wave of viral public accountability moments that have gained traction on social media in recent weeks.

After the sentence was announced, Ceco posted a statement on Instagram describing the outcome as more than closure, but a chance “to remove a story that marked me deeply.” She thanked her family, her attorneys, and supporters who reached out during the process.

Ceco concluded: “This doesn’t erase the experience. But today I feel like a part of my story was heard. I… still healing, more aware, stronger, and deeply grateful. Today my life begins anew.” Netflix and representatives for Ceco had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting, a pattern seen in other high-profile cases drawing public scrutiny in recent days.