16.07.2026 19:50
In the İlkadım district of Samsun, Uğur Yılmaz, the arrested defendant who drove his car over 39-year-old Mehmet Kalay twice, causing his death in a fight that broke out over 'catcalling', was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
In Samsun, Uğur Yılmaz, who caused the death of Mehmet Kalay by running over him twice with his car during a fight sparked by 'catcalling,' was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
The incident occurred on July 9, 2025, around 8:00 PM in the back area of the İlkadım State Opera and Ballet Directorate in the İlkadım district. A dispute broke out between Uğur Yılmaz (32), M.Y. (35), and A.G. (38) and Mehmet Kalay (39) and his relative İ.K. (37) over 'catcalling.' The argument escalated into a fight. During the scuffle, U.Y. ran over Mehmet Kalay twice with his car. It was determined that Kalay died at the scene. While Kalay's body was taken to the Samsun Forensic Medicine Group Directorate for autopsy, Yılmaz and those involved in the fight, M.Y., A.G., and İ.K., were apprehended.
"HE CAME IN FRONT OF ME, I DIDN'T DO IT INTENTIONALLY"
After İ.K. was released following his statement to the police, the three suspects were referred to the courthouse. While being referred to the courthouse, Yılmaz told journalists filming him, "He came in front of me, I didn't do it intentionally." Uğur Yılmaz was arrested by the judge. M.Y. and A.G. were released under judicial control.
Meanwhile, it was reported that both parties were under the influence of alcohol, with Yılmaz having 19 prior criminal records and Mehmet Kalay having 5.
"HE WAS MY BLOOD"
The Samsun Chief Public Prosecutor's Office prepared an indictment against Uğur Yılmaz and M.Y. on charges of 'Intentional killing.' The indictment was accepted by the 2nd Heavy Criminal Court. At today's hearing, M.Y., who is detained for another crime, connected via SEGBIS. Yılmaz and the lawyers of the parties were present in the courtroom. Making his defense at the hearing, Uğur Yılmaz said, "They were hitting each other, but I didn't see who was hitting whom. The incident was entirely an accident. The deceased was both my relative and my friend. He was my blood, I request my release. I didn't do it intentionally. It happened entirely due to carelessness. I thought there was a bump in front of me. There was no situation where I turned back and ran over him again. When I couldn't see anything, I continued. I didn't flee; when I saw him like that, I ran to his side. His little children were left orphaned," he said.
After hearing the defendants, the court panel delivered its verdict. The panel acquitted M.Y., while Yılmaz was sentenced to 18 years in prison.