Allegations of 50 million TL offer in Esenyurt liquor store massacre

In the case involving 10 defendants regarding the liquor store shooting that occurred in Esenyurt, Istanbul, on July 28, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of Yunus Emre Erzen and Batuhan Bayındır, the verdict is expected to be delivered at the hearing on April 21.

With only days left until the verdict hearing, the family of Yunus Emre Erzen and their lawyer held a press conference. The family's lawyer, Kerim Bahadır Şeker, expressed their expectations, stating, "We want Yunus Emre Erzen's death to be included under the charges of both premeditated murder and murder with the motive of blood feud."

Furthermore, Şeker alleged that his clients had been offered money to withdraw their complaints, saying, "There is pressure on our clients. Money offers are still being made."

"I WANT AGGRAVATED LIFE IMPRISONMENT"

Demanding the harshest possible punishment for the defendants, mother Solmaz Erzen expressed her demand for justice, saying, "Four people brutally murdered him there all at once. The other boy had no fault either. The penalty for this must be aggravated life imprisonment. I trust the Turkish justice system."

"AM I GOING TO SELL MY SON'S BLOOD TO YOU?"

Father Cantürk Erzen, who claimed they were offered 50 million lira for their sons, reacted with the following words: "The prosecutor requested a life sentence in their opinion. They say there was no premeditation, no blood feud. I trust our court. They are still trying to make peace with us. They say, 'Let's give 25 million, 50 million, go to court and say we are not complainants.' How could I do such a thing? Am I going to sell my son's blood to you? Let them give the necessary punishment. Let them bring peace to the hearts of a mother and father."

WHAT HAPPENED?

On July 28, in the Güzelyurt neighborhood of Esenyurt, a group argued with Yunus Emre Erzen (24) and his companions Batuhan Bayındır (20) and Yusuf Erzen (21) at a liquor store, after which shots were fired.

Yunus Emre Erzen and Batuhan Bayındır lost their lives due to the suspects who fled the scene. Murat Ö., S.Ö., T.Ö., and A.Ö., along with five others alleged to have helped them escape, were detained and arrested.

REQUESTED SENTENCES

In the prepared indictment, it was requested that the detained defendants Tarık Özer, Murat Özer, Azat Özer, and Servet Özer be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for the "premeditated murder with the motive of blood feud" of Yunus Emre Erzen, life imprisonment for the "murder" of Batuhan Bayındır, and 13 to 20 years in prison for the "attempted murder with the motive of blood feud" of Yusuf Erzen.

Additionally, it was requested that the defendants be sentenced to six months to three years in prison for "firing a weapon in a manner dangerous to the life, health, or property of persons, or in a way that could create fear, anxiety, or panic," and one to three years in prison for possession of unlicensed weapons.

On the other hand, for the non-detained defendants Adem Kılıç, Erdal Adıyaman, Ercan Topcu, Vedat Erkin, Nimetullah Özer, and Hüsamettin Ahmetoğlu, prison sentences of six months to five years were requested for the crime of "aiding and abetting a criminal."