Love Is Blind star tied the knot in a televised civil ceremony, but his chilling behavior behind closed doors led to an attempted murder conviction

Santiago Martínez has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following his conviction for the attempted murder of his former wife, Emily Ceco. The pair originally gained public attention after appearing on the Netflix reality series Love Is Blind: Argentina in 2024, where they met in the pods and eventually married in a televised civil ceremony.

According to People, the legal proceedings concluded in March, when the sentence was finalized. In addition to the attempted murder charge, Martínez was convicted of repeated assault and unlawful detention. These serious charges followed a February 2025 incident that led Ceco to end their relationship and seek legal protection.

Ceco provided a detailed account of the events during a March 26 interview on Televisión Pública. She described a terrifying scenario in which Martínez physically assaulted her, specifically noting that he choked her and used a pillow to prevent her from breathing. Ceco explained that Martínez refused to let her leave the residence, which ultimately forced her to escape and file a formal complaint. During that broadcast, she stated, “He tried to kill me.”

He would not let her leave, that is terrifying

The impact of the trial and the resulting sentencing was profound for Ceco. Regarding the moment the verdict was read, she shared, “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.”

Martínez maintained a different narrative throughout the trial process. In a post shared on Instagram, which has since been deleted, he denied the specific accusation of attempted murder. He claimed, “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.” He further stated, “But that does not mean I take responsibility for trying to kill the woman I loved.”

The couple had originally planned a second wedding ceremony before the relationship dissolved in February 2025. Following the allegations of gender-based violence and the subsequent restraining order, Martínez was removed from the dating program. This case serves as a reminder that even public figures are not immune to domestic violence, mirroring the story of a Florida politician allegedly murdered by her husband. Ceco reflected on the ordeal in a separate post on Instagram on March 26.

She expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family and loved ones throughout the process. “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 wrote. “But I wasn’t alone. And that’s what I feel the strongest today.” Looking toward the future, Ceco emphasized that while the sentencing provides a resolution, it does not fully remove the weight of what she endured.

She noted, “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.”