13.05.2026 16:32
In the Torbalı district of İzmir, the defendant Mert Avcı, who killed his mother, father, and older brother and attempted to stage it as a suicide, faced a judge for the first time. Avcı, who attended the hearing via the SEGBIS system from prison, exercised his right to remain silent, stating that he wanted to make his defense in the courtroom. While the defendant refused to make a statement, the hearing was adjourned.
A chilling incident occurred on October 24, 2025, in an apartment located at 3663 Sokak, Muratbey Mahallesi, Torbalı, İzmir. Relatives who could not reach Hatice (54) and Şadi Avcı (67) and their son Mehmet Avcı (32) reported the situation to the police. Responding to the call, police teams entered the home with a locksmith and found the Avcı couple and their son Mehmet shot and covered in blood. All three were determined to have lost their lives. Initial assessments suggested that Mehmet Avcı shot his mother Hatice and father Şadi Avcı with a pistol before committing suicide.
Murdered Mehmet Avcı HE KILLED HIS FAMILY AND TRIED TO FAKE A SUICIDE Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Torbalı Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a special team consisting of personnel from the Homicide Bureau and the Crime Analysis Bureau was established to clarify the incident. Homicide detectives found the situation of the family's younger son suspicious. All his movements before and after the incident were scrutinized. It was also determined that the fingerprints on the pistol found at the scene had been wiped clean. Police determined that the murders were committed by the younger son of Şadi and Hatice Avcı, Mert Avcı (31), based on camera footage from the time of the incident, phone signals, and obtained evidence. It was revealed that Mert Avcı had procured cologne, cotton, and gloves before the incident and attempted to stage the crime scene to look like his older brother had killed their parents and then committed suicide. Police also detained Mert Avcı, his wife S.A. (31), and his brother-in-law T.B. (28). After police processing, the three suspects were referred to court, where Mert Avcı was arrested and the others were released.
INDICTMENT PREPARED After the investigation was completed, an indictment was prepared. Avcı was charged with three counts of aggravated life imprisonment for 'Premeditated intentional murder' of his mother, father, and older brother, and up to 3 years in prison for 'Violation of the Law on Firearms, Knives, and Other Tools'.
"I WANT TO MAKE MY DEFENSE IN THE COURTROOM" HE SAID, AND CLAMMED UP Defendant Mert Avcı appeared before the judge today at the Torbalı Heavy Penal Court. The detained defendant Avcı participated via SEGBIS from prison, while his lawyer and the complainants were present in the courtroom. When given the floor, defendant Avcı stated that he wanted to make his defense in the courtroom, not via SEGBIS. The defendant did not make a defense, and the defendant's uncle H.Y. and his uncle L.A., who were heard in the hearing, stated that they were complainants.
Murdered older brother Mehmet Avcı (left), murder suspect Mert Avcı (second from left), murdered mother Hatice Avcı (second from right), and murdered father Şadi Avcı (right) "HE WAS NOT IN A HURRY" After the complainants, the floor was given to the witnesses. The defendant Avcı's nephew F.Y. said, "The defendant called me after the incident and said, 'I can't reach my family, can you go and check?' I went to the house, but no one opened the door. I informed him of the situation. Then he asked me to call a locksmith. He was not in a hurry."
"HE FELL INTO THE HANDS OF LOAN SHARKS" The defendant Avcı's aunt S.C., who was heard in the hearing, stated that the defendant had fallen into the hands of loan sharks and said, "My deceased sister didn't like the heat, but when we arrived at the house, the shutters were closed. I keep a diary. My sister told me last year on April 2 that Mert had gone missing. On April 5, they were threatened by loan sharks who said they would kill Mert and his wife if they didn't pay the debt. On April 7, my deceased sister Hatice and her deceased son Mehmet went to Menemen to meet with the loan sharks. My sister sold her three houses and paid off his debt."
After the witness statements, the interim decision was announced. The panel, deciding on the continuation of the defendant's detention, adjourned the hearing.