26.01.2025 11:30
The defendant, who caused the death of Halil Özdemir, whom he had known for 3 years in Fatih, by injuring him with a baseball bat, was sentenced to life imprisonment after burning the body in a park where he transported it with a wheelbarrow. In court, he stated, "I had no intention to kill."
On May 12, 2023, a burned male corpse was found in the International Peace Park in the Kazlıçeşme neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul. Following this, an investigation was initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and it was determined that the body belonged to Halil Özdemir (40). When the camera footage from the scene was examined, it was revealed that Özdemir was last seen with Meryem El Haşimi (25).
HE STRUCK HIS HEAD WITH A BASEBALL BAT MULTIPLE TIMES
In the indictment prepared regarding the matter, Meryem El Haşimi, whose statement was included, stated that she met Halil Özdemir about 3 years ago, and after he asked to borrow a bicycle light, she went to his house. She realized that she would be attacked by Özdemir in her own home, so she hit him on the head with a baseball bat 1-2 times. It was noted that after blood started to come from Özdemir's head, she wrapped that area with a towel and waited for him to wake up.
SHE TRANSPORTED THE BODY IN A WHEELBARROW AND BURNED IT IN A CHILDREN'S PARK
Haşimi also stated that when Özdemir did not wake up, she took a wheelbarrow from a bicycle shop owner near her house around 08:00 the next day. After putting Özdemir in a bag, she took him to a park 1 kilometer away, burned the body to avoid leaving any traces, and distanced herself from the crime scene. After returning home, she also sold Özdemir's bicycle.
"I HAD NO INTENTION TO KILL"
The trial held recently at the Istanbul Heavy Penal Court regarding the matter has reached a verdict. In her defense, Meryem El Haşimi stated that she did not intentionally kill Halil Özdemir and had no such intention, requesting her acquittal. The court, announcing its decision, sentenced the defendant Meryem El Haşimi to life imprisonment for the crime of 'intentional killing' and decided to continue her detention.