A contestant from Netflix’s “Love Is Blind: Argentina” received a 15-year prison sentence for attempting to murder his ex-partner, whom he met on the show.

Relationship and Show Appearance

Santiago Martínez, aged 29 at the time, participated in “Love Is Blind: Argentina,” which debuted in November 2024. Posing as a young entrepreneur, he paired up with Emily Ceco, then 24, among 32 contestants. The couple exchanged civil vows in the show’s concluding episodes and planned a private wedding with family and friends.

Violence and Legal Consequences

In February 2025, Emily reported Martínez for gender-based violence after appearing with a black eye, prompting the end of their engagement. Authorities issued a restraining order barring him from contacting her, and he faced removal from streaming platforms amid public allegations.

On March 25, Martínez was convicted of attempted murder, repeated assault, and unlawful detention. Prosecutors sought a 16-year term, but the court imposed 15 years after declining a plea agreement that could have shortened the sentence.

Victim’s Statement

Emily expressed relief to local media: “I can’t believe it. I feel it’s over, I’m finally going to have peace. Justice has been done.”

She described her fear during the sentencing: “My whole body was shaking. I was terrified.” Martínez apologized in court, claiming lingering love for her. Emily’s brother confronted him: “If you loved her so much, why did you almost kill her? You beat her up—coward.”

Emily added: “I have 15 years of peace ahead. 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.”