A former participant of Love Is Blind: Argentina has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to murder his ex-wife, whom he met on the reality dating series. Santiago Martínez, 34, was convicted of attempted murder, repeated assault, and unlawful detention following a trial in Buenos Aires.
Background of the Relationship
In 2024, Martínez became engaged to Emily Ceco after meeting on the show, where couples get engaged without seeing each other. They later had a civil ceremony and were planning a second wedding when Ceco ended the relationship in February 2025. She alleged that Martínez had physically abused her, including giving her a black eye.
The Attack and Trial
During the trial, Ceco testified that Martínez choked her and smothered her with a pillow, preventing her from breathing. She recalled that he refused to let her leave, prompting her to escape and file a complaint. In an interview with Argentine public broadcaster Televisión Pública, Ceco repeatedly stated, 'He tried to kill me.'
After the sentencing, Ceco said she 'instantly burst into tears' and felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. '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.
Martínez's Denials
During the trial, Martínez posted on social media denying the attempted murder. In a now-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
Following the sentencing, Ceco shared a statement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support she received. 'It's not just a closure…it is 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 wrote.
She thanked her family, attorneys, and well-wishers. '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,' she added.
Support Resources
For emotional support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, run by Refuge and Women's Aid, can be reached at 0808 2000 247. For those in LGBT relationships, Broken Rainbow and Galop UK offer a helpline at 0800 9995428. Male victims can call the Men's Advice Line at 0808 801 0327.
