New Details Emerge in Kağıthane Kalashnikov Murder: GPS Tracking and 9-Hour Ambush
Istanbul, January 18 – Shocking new details have emerged in the Kalashnikov murder that took place in Kağıthane, Istanbul, on Thursday, January 15. Burak Tunçel (25) was ambushed and fatally shot by three assailants as he entered his car. The perpetrators reportedly used a GPS tracking device to monitor Tunçel’s movements and waited for approximately nine hours before carrying out the brutal attack. Three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
The tragic event unfolded at approximately 11:30 AM on January 15 in the Hamidiye neighborhood. According to initial reports, Tunçel, driving a vehicle with license plate 34 HUB 246, was targeted by two of the three assailants who opened fire with Kalashnikovs as he entered his car. A total of 37 bullet casings were found at the scene by police investigators. Tunçel, who sustained severe injuries, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his wounds despite all medical interventions.
Suspects Tracked Victim for Hours, Set Car Ablaze
The investigation has revealed a meticulously planned ambush. Authorities determined that the suspects had placed a GPS tracking device under Tunçel’s car. They arrived at the scene around 3:00 AM, parking a black vehicle next to Tunçel’s car, and patiently waited for approximately nine hours for their target to appear. Once Tunçel entered his vehicle, the assailants launched their attack, firing both Kalashnikovs and pistols.
After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in their vehicle. Further investigation revealed that they later set their getaway car on fire in the Kemerburgaz-Göktürk junction area in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Findings
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene. Mikail Çakar, a local resident, stated, “I was in my shop when I heard gunshots at 11:30 AM. It was a 25-year-old boy, Burak Tunçel. The children fired bullets and fled. They fired 30 bullets at the child.” Another resident commented, “They sprayed him. According to rumors here, they waited.” A third resident added, “I guess he had just been released from prison. Then two people were waiting, I don’t know if they set up an ambush or what. They fired about 25-30 shots, I don’t know if it was with a Kalashnikov or what.”
The incident was captured by a mobile phone camera, showing masked assailants fleeing in a parked black car immediately after the shooting.
Victim Recently Released from Prison with Extensive Criminal Record
It has also come to light that Burak Tunçel had been released from prison approximately 10 days prior to his murder. Tunçel had a significant criminal record, with 12 previous offenses including ‘drug use’, ‘open theft’, and ‘damage to property’. He sustained fatal bullet wounds to his neck, chest, shoulder, and back.
Police continue their investigation into the motive behind the murder and are working to gather further evidence. The three arrested suspects are currently undergoing questioning.
Source: DHA
