Body of missing Turkish national found in UK landfill; suspect still at large
Cumali Turhan (Courtesy of BBC)
The body of Cumali Turhan, a Turkish national who had been missing for two months in the United Kingdom, was found in a landfill. Turhan was last seen in the early hours of Nov. 19 at The Globe, a bar in Chelmsford, Essex. The man believed to be responsible for his death, 38-year-old Ceyhan Dinler, remains at large.
Authorities believe Dinler, a Chelmsford resident, left the country on the same day of the murder via Stansted Airport. It is suspected he fled to Türkiye, and the investigation into his whereabouts is ongoing.
Louise Metcalfe, a police spokesperson, said search efforts in Essex continued for 45 days despite adverse weather.
“Throughout this difficult time, we have been in regular contact with Turhan’s family. It will take time for them to come to terms with this news, and they will continue to receive support from specialist officers,” she added.
Police said Turhan may have visited Barista, a bar and restaurant on Duke Street, after leaving The Globe, but security footage does not show him leaving the premises.
Meanwhile, 44-year-old Ciprian Ilie is in custody on charges of “assisting in the commission of murder,” and “hindering the lawful burial of the body.”
Ilie has denied the charges, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 15.
