Retrial Results in Life Imprisonment for 17-Year-Old Murder in Erzurum
Two Defendants Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Premeditated Murder
The hearing at the Erzurum 2nd High Criminal Court saw the attendance of detained defendants Mehmet Göktürk and Necmi Acar, as well as lawyers of the parties and Recep Akpınar’s relatives.
The complainant’s lawyer, Esma Kahveci, accused the defendants of changing their statements during the prosecution phase in an attempt to receive an unfair appreciation discount. She pointed out that according to base station data, a signal was received at the scene of the incident on the night and morning, contradicting one of the defendant’s statements.
In his defense, defendant Göktürk claimed that the incident was not premeditated murder and expressed regret for his involvement. Defendant Acar explained that the incident occurred due to a receivables issue and denied placing the gun in the car, questioning how Göktürk failed to notice it if he did indeed do so.
Acar’s lawyer also suggested that there was animosity between Akpınar and Göktürk due to a debt relationship, implying that this was a motive for the crime.
When asked for his last words, Acar denied allegations of threatening Akpınar and demanded an acquittal. Göktürk also expressed his regret for the incident.
The court panel ultimately decided to sentence both defendants to aggravated life imprisonment for the crime of premeditated murder, while also continuing their detention.
The indictment stated that the defendants’ statements were taken into account in relation to Akpınar’s disappearance, with technical follow-up for the crime of deliberate murder yielding no criminal elements initially. However, upon re-investigation and new evidence, it was found that the defendants had admitted to killing Akpınar.
The indictment also detailed the history of the incident, noting that a special team within the Homicide Bureau of the Erzurum Police Department had solved the murder committed 17 years ago and detained the defendants. The arrests were made on May 18, 2022, with an additional decision of non-prosecution given against 5 people.
In conclusion, the court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the crime, with both defendants receiving a sentence of aggravated life imprisonment for their role in the premeditated murder.
