Interpol issues red notice for Nazmi Gezginci in 1984 Maria Kohler murder case

Interpol has issued a red notice for Nazmi Gezginci, a 66-year-old Turkish national, in connection with the 40-year old murder that happened back in 1984 of 19-year-old Maria Kohler in Aschaffenburg, Germany.

The red notice follows the reopening of a cold case by German authorities, who suspect Gezginci of killing Kohler and believed to have fled to Türkiye shortly after the crime.

Maria Kohler found dead in dormitory room

On July 30, 1984, Kohler, a nursing student at Aschaffenburg City Hospital, failed to report to work. Two days later, she was found dead in her room at the hospital dormitory.

An autopsy revealed that she had been strangled and died as a result of violence.

Investigators at the time identified Gezginci, Kohler’s former boyfriend, as the primary suspect. Then 25 years old, Gezginci reportedly left Germany and returned to Türkiye the day after the killing.

Despite a German arrest warrant and international search efforts, he has evaded capture for four decades.

Cold case reopened with new evidence

In 2024, the Aschaffenburg Criminal Police and Public Prosecutor’s Office reopened the case, applying modern forensic techniques to reevaluate evidence and gathering new witness testimony.

Authorities believe Gezginci may have re-entered Germany under a different identity.

A key element in the renewed investigation is a DNA sample collected at the crime scene, which closely matches a close relative of Gezginci. However, investigators have not yet obtained a direct DNA sample from him, which is necessary for conclusive identification.

Interpol red notice details and description

Interpol’s red notice includes the following physical and personal details:

• Name: Nazmi Gezginci
• Date of Birth: April 1, 1959 (Age 66)
• Place of Birth: Antakya / Hatay, Türkiye
• Nationality: Türkiye
• Height: 1.94 meters
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Dark brown
• Languages Spoken: Turkish, German
• Distinguishing Mark: 1.5 cm scar under right eye
• Charge: Murder

The public is encouraged to provide information that may lead to Gezginci’s arrest.

A reward of €10,000 ($10,944) is being offered for decisive tips, intended exclusively for private individuals and not for officials with law enforcement duties by the Europol and Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt).

Crime reconstructed in national TV appeal

The case was featured on the German true crime television program Aktenzeichen XY… Ungelöst on March 5, 2025, in hopes of generating new leads. Authorities received 15 tips, including one specific lead that investigators are now pursuing.

According to police records, Gezginci entered Germany as a tourist in 1978 and remained by obtaining a student permit. He and Kohler were in a relationship for about 18 months before she ended it.

She was planning to leave Germany for Africa after completing her nursing education.

The day before her death, Kohler was seen arguing with Gezginci outside her dormitory. She was later found in her room, strangled with her own scarf. Witnesses said Gezginci had been watching her prior to the incident.

After the murder, Gezginci allegedly bought a suitcase, left his car at Frankfurt Airport, and boarded a one-way flight to Istanbul. He has not been seen since.

Investigators suspect possible return to Germany

Although previous reports suggested Gezginci may have fled to Syria, near the Turkish-Syrian border region of Aleppo, German investigators now believe he could be back in Germany under a different identity.

His Turkish citizenship was reportedly revoked due to an unrelated case.

German authorities remind the public that there is no statute of limitations for murder, and efforts to bring the suspect to justice remain active.