20.01.2026 20:37
In the case regarding the stabbing murder of Zafer Ateş in the Körfez district of Kocaeli, the defendant, when asked for his final words, stated, "The deceased had no family, but I have a family. Someone without a family may have died accidentally, but do not allow my family to be destroyed." The court ruled that the act was committed under provocation and sentenced the defendant to 18 years in prison.
On December 10, 2024, a dispute began between Selçuk Ş., who lives in the Körfez district of Kocaeli, and his friend Zafer Ateş. In the ensuing fight, which escalated, 54-year-old Ateş was injured with a knife. Injured in the chest, Ateş died in the hospital where he was taken in critical condition.
CAUGHT AT HIS SISTER'S HOUSE
Police teams working on the incident captured the fleeing suspect at his sister's house. The detained suspect was arrested and sent to prison after his statement was taken by the court.
"THE DECEASED HAD NO FAMILY, BUT I HAVE A FAMILY"
The last hearing of the case related to the incident was held at the Kocaeli 4th High Criminal Court. The detained defendant and his lawyer attended the hearing. Selçuk Ş., who was given the right to speak for his defense, stated that he and Zafer Ateş were friends and that there was no animosity between them.
Describing the day of the incident, Selçuk Ş. continued his defense as follows: "On the day of the incident, we were eating on a floor mat at my house and consuming alcohol. Zafer said he wanted to marry my sister. Upon hearing this, my sister became uncomfortable and angry about it being discussed at the alcohol table. In response, Zafer threatened and cursed with the knife in his hand, saying, 'I will kill you too, and I will kill your sister too.' A struggle broke out between us. Both of us had knives in our hands. Zafer tripped over the table and fell onto the knife I was holding to protect myself, getting injured. The incident happened accidentally. There was only one stab wound. If I had intended to kill, there would have been more stab wounds. We had no animosity or fight. I regret it; I wish it hadn't happened. I want the fact that the deceased killed two people to be taken into consideration. The deceased had no family, but I have a family. Someone without a family may have died accidentally, but do not allow my family to be lost."
CONVICTED TO 18 YEARS WITH MITIGATION FOR UNJUST PROVOCATION
The court panel ruled that the crime was committed under unjust provocation and sentenced the defendant to 18 years in prison.