Verdict finalized in Feriköy murder case: Life imprisonment with no parole for Şirin's killer

The judicial process regarding the child murder case in Istanbul's Şişli district, which caused widespread public outcry, has concluded at the appellate stage. The aggravated life sentence and 51-year prison term given to Mustafa Örün, who sexually abused and murdered 6-year-old Şirin Elmas Hanilçi at the Feriköy Cemetery, have been upheld by the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice.

The incident came to light on October 31, 2024, when Şirin Elmas Hanilçi's family filed a missing person report at the police station. Little Şirin's lifeless body was found on November 2, 2024, at the Feriköy Cemetery in Şişli. Examinations determined that Şirin had been sexually abused before being murdered.

SUSPECT APPREHENDED QUICKLY

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the perpetrator of the murder was Mustafa Örün, a paper collector whom Şirin had known previously. The suspect was apprehended and arrested shortly thereafter.

SEVERE SENTENCE FROM THE HIGH CRIMINAL COURT

The Istanbul 37th High Criminal Court sentenced Mustafa Örün to aggravated life imprisonment and a total of 51 years in prison for the crimes of "intentional murder of a child," "deprivation of liberty of a child for sexual purposes," and "sexual abuse of a child."

APPELLATE COURT UPHELD THE VERDICT

The local court's decision was reviewed by the 1st Penal Chamber of the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice. The chamber stated that the file was handled ex officio and that there was no procedural or substantive illegality in the local court's decision.

Emphasizing that the evaluation of evidence was appropriate, the court rejected the appeal filed by the defendant's lawyer on its merits.

As no further appeal was filed against the appellate decision, it was learned that the aggravated life sentence and 51-year prison term for Mustafa Örün have become final.

The prepared indictment stated that security camera footage was examined in detail during the search efforts to find Şirin. It was determined that on the day of the incident, around 16:35, Şirin was walking alone from Avukat Street toward Ülker Street, and then entered Poyraz 1 Street.

During this time, the indictment noted that the defendant, Mustafa Örün, who was at the entrance of the street with his scrap collection vehicle, approached Şirin, established communication, and began to build rapport.

MURDER COMMITTED IN THE CEMETERY

According to the indictment, the defendant walked with Şirin along the way, stopping by trash containers and pretending to collect paper. Around 16:45, he headed toward the Feriköy Cemetery from the intersection of Poyraz 1 Street and Hasret Street.

It was reported that the defendant took Şirin to a secluded area between two graves near the cemetery entrance, where he sexually abused her, and then decided to kill the little girl to destroy evidence, conceal the crime, and avoid capture. It was recorded that the defendant removed the scarf he had stuffed into Şirin's mouth, wrapped it around her neck, and killed her in this manner.

The indictment had requested that Mustafa Örün be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for "intentional murder of a child to conceal a crime, destroy evidence, or avoid capture," 6 to 21 years in prison for "deprivation of liberty of a child for sexual purposes," and no less than 18 years in prison for the crime of "sexual abuse of a child."

News Source: 12punto