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Updated on March 25
A fatal shooting in Istanbul has become one of Türkiye’s most closely followed criminal investigations.
Authorities have since arrested seven suspects in connection with the case, including singer Aleyna Kalaycioglu, musician Izzet Yildizhan, and alleged gunman Alaattin Kadayifcioglu.
The case centers on the killing of 21-year-old footballer Kubilay Kaan Kundakci, who was shot on March 19 in the Umraniye district.
What initially appeared to be a targeted attack has since expanded into a complex investigation with multiple suspects, conflicting statements, and claims of possible instigation.
Footballer Kubilay Kundakci was reportedly sitting in a parked car with friends when attackers arrived in two vehicles and opened fire.
He had traveled to Istanbul during a holiday break and became involved as a mediator between rapper Vahap Canbay and singer Aleyna Kalaycioglu, who had recently ended their relationship.
Canbay allegedly asked Kundakci to help arrange a meeting with Kalaycioglu. The group went to a studio where she was believed to be present and waited in a car.
During that time, suspects arrived at the scene.
One of them, identified as Alaattin Kadayifcioglu, allegedly approached the vehicle, knocked on the window, and opened fire. Kundakci was critically injured and later died in the hospital.
Investigators later proposed that the intended target may have been rapper Vahap Canbay, not Kundakci. The footballer was reportedly struck by bullets fired toward the vehicle.
The case has drawn public attention due to the number of well-known figures named in the investigation.
Authorities have detained multiple suspects, including:
The alleged shooter, Alaattin Kadayifcioglu, is the son of the businessman taken into custody, as reported by Sabah.
Police recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the attack during a search in Istanbul. Forensic samples were also collected, and the suspects' mobile phones are under examination.
Officials say 10 people have been detained in total, with eight already referred to court after police procedures.
Following court proceedings, seven suspects were arrested, while Zuhal Kalaycioglu and another suspect were released under judicial control, and businessman Bilal Kadayifcioglu was released without conditions.
Court documents show that Alaattin Kadayifcioglu was arrested on a charge of intentional killing, while other suspects face accusations including aiding the killing, protecting the offender, and concealing evidence.
Kadayifcioglu reportedly said, “The gun went off during the struggle. I definitely did not fire it.”
The prosecutor’s office said those involved in the killing, along with suspects believed to have helped them escape or conceal evidence, were detained “with evidence” after a meticulous investigation.
Investigators also found that some suspects took steps to avoid detection after the attack, including switching vehicles, turning off mobile phones, and using different communication lines, according to prosecution documents.
Authorities are examining phone records and message traffic from the hours following the incident, which may indicate efforts to help the suspect evade capture.
The suspect reportedly told police the weapon was in the vehicle, but investigators later found it at his residence in a condition ready for use.
Some reports have also described individuals involved in the case as having "mafia-type" connections, raising questions about the broader environment surrounding the incident, according to Türkiye Daily.
One of the central lines of investigation concerns allegations that the attack may have been planned or encouraged by others.
Authorities are examining claims that Kalaycioglu and her mother may have played a role in instigating the incident. These allegations remain under investigation and have not been confirmed by official judicial findings.
Statements given during the investigation present differing versions of events.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kalaycioglu told police she had gone to the location with Kadayifcioglu for an unrelated reason and claimed he acted on his own after seeing Canbay.
According to Gece Muhabiri Samet Aday, her mother reportedly received ₺1 million ($22,560) from the suspect. These claims have not been officially verified.
Investigators are now working to determine how the suspects located the victims and whether information about their whereabouts was shared in advance.
Late footballer Kubilay Kundakci’s family has raised concerns about how the attackers knew where to find the group.
His father questioned whether someone close to the situation may have provided that information.
Authorities are also examining reports that the suspect may have been preparing to flee abroad before being apprehended.
Security camera footage related to the attack has also emerged, supporting the sequence of events under investigation.
The presence of vehicles with flashing lights at the scene has further fueled public debate, raising questions about access, connections, and possible misuse of authority.
The victim’s mother, Ulker Kundakci, alleged that she was offered a house in exchange for silence. “I do not need money. They are offering me a house, so that I drop the case,” she said, according to Milliyet.
“Would I buy a house with my child’s blood?” she added.
The investigation is ongoing, with police and prosecutors continuing to review evidence, statements, and digital records.
Officials have not yet issued a final statement on charges or responsibility, and the judicial process is expected to clarify the allegations in the coming days.
Kundakci was buried in his hometown of Sakarya on Saturday.
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