New development in the Hilal Özdemir murder: How the killer, Ayberk Kurtuluş, gained entry revealed

A horrific incident took place at Boğaziçi University's South Campus in Istanbul. 20-year-old Ayberk Kurtuluş shot and killed 15-year-old Hilal Özdemir before taking his own life. According to information obtained, Kurtuluş had a criminal record consisting of 24 separate offenses.

The incident occurred in front of the university cafeteria. It is alleged that Kurtuluş opened fire with a gun on Hilal Özdemir, with whom he had been arguing. While the young girl lost her life, the attacker immediately turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.

It was learned that Kurtuluş was not a university student and had entered the campus for an event held by an outside party. Upon hearing the gunshots, a large number of police and medical teams were dispatched to the area. Medical personnel determined that both Kurtuluş and Özdemir had lost their lives during their examination.

In the investigation conducted by police teams in the surrounding area, it was determined that the pistol used in the incident was unlicensed. The bodies of the young people were taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute morgue after the necessary examinations.

It was alleged that Hilal Özdemir had come to the cafe to work, and that the attacker, Ayberk Kurtuluş, was the young girl's ex-boyfriend.

It also emerged that Kurtuluş had 24 criminal records. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Boğaziçi University has made a new statement regarding the murder that has dominated Turkey's agenda. In the statement, it was stated that the 20-year-old killer showed an invitation to enter and was directed to the parking lot.

The full statement is as follows:

“The tragic incident that took place on our campus on the evening of August 30, 2025, has deeply shaken us all. We wish God's mercy upon the late Hilal Özdemir and offer our patience to her family and loved ones.

The incident in question occurred during an event that had no connection to our university. Hilal Özdemir, who was on duty during this event organized by an event company at Kennedy Lodge, left the area for a short time to meet with the perpetrator of the incident and lost her life as a result of an attack she suffered on the road leading to the Kale Gate.

It has been understood that the perpetrator of the incident arrived at the event with an invitation and entered the campus by presenting his invitation at the entrance. Security personnel applied the necessary campus entry procedures; the guest registration was kept, the vehicle was directed to the guest parking lot, and entry rules were followed. Since security personnel do not have the authority to conduct vehicle or body searches under current regulations, the weapon hidden in the perpetrator's vehicle could not be detected.

Nevertheless, an administrative investigation has been launched regarding the relevant security personnel. The judicial investigation conducted by the prosecutor's office is ongoing, and our university is in full cooperation with all institutions.

Our priority is to ensure that our students and staff can continue their education and working lives in a peaceful and safe environment. In this direction, all additional measures that can be taken will be meticulously evaluated.

Boğaziçi University Rectorate”