A British member of Parliament has demanded transparency and justice in the case of a former Bahrain resident and her South African fiancé found dead in a resort villa in Vietnam.
Greta Marie Otteson, aged 33, a former St Christopher’s School pupil, and her fiancé Els Arno Quinton, aged 36, died from apparent methanol poisoning in the Hoa Chuong villa complex in the Cam Thanh commune in the central city of Hoi An.
Their bodies were found in separate rooms on the property on December 26 last year. There were no signs of physical trauma, violence or a break-in.
A 46-year-old bartender was arrested on suspicion of mixing 70 per cent medical alcohol with water, lemonade and sugar to make limoncello which the couple consumed on Christmas eve.
Ms Otteson and Mr Quinton moved to Vietnam in February last year and had announced their engagement a couple of weeks before their death.
The case continues.
Ms Davies addressing the House of Commons
Ms Otteson was the daughter of Susan and Paul Otteson of Caerfyrddin in Wales represented by MP Ann Davies who raised the issue in the House of Commons recently and has secured a commitment from the British Government to update the family on the ongoing investigation.
A Vietnamese police officer examines one of the two rooms where the couple was found dead
“My constituent’s daughter, Greta Marie Otteson, and her fiancé, Arno Els Quinton, died tragically in Vietnam on Christmas day,” Ms Davies told the house.
“The limoncello drink supplied by a local restaurant was contaminated with methanol, a toxic industrial chemical sometimes used instead of alcohol.
“Greta’s parents, Susan and Paul, are seeking transparency and justice.
“Notwithstanding their attempts to do so over the last five months, they remain without answers.
“Will the Leader of the House ask the Foreign Office to urgently provide either Greta’s parents or my office with an update on the ongoing criminal case?”
Ms Powell
The leader of the House of Commons, MP Lucy Powell, said: “Like many other members, I am sure, I remember hearing of the shocking nature of this case over Christmas.
“I am sorry that her constituents have suffered since and have not been able to get the answers they need on the deaths of their loved ones.
“I will absolutely ensure that the minister is in touch with her at the earliest opportunity to ensure that her constituents get the answers and support they need in the case.”
Ms Otteson worked previously as a social media manager and Mr Quinton was a musician.
The former Bahrain resident studied at St Christopher’s School, Isa Town from 1993 to 2010, successfully passing her A-levels.
She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in textile design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising at the US Arizona State University.
She also worked as an assistant designer with leading Bahraini fashion brand Noon By Noor between 2015 and 2017.
Her colleagues described Ms Otteson as ‘a kind, talented, free spirit’.
Methanol is tasteless and has a faint smell. It is sometimes used in counterfeit or homemade alcohol to cut costs.
It is extremely poisonous; as little as 60 to 240 millilitres can prove fatal for an adult. Symptoms may include a decreased level of consciousness, poor or no co-ordination, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased vision.
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