Istanbul, March 25 – A heated argument over a parking space escalated into a fatal shooting in Istanbul’s Pendik district yesterday evening, March 24. Seyfettin B. (41), a car gallery owner, allegedly shot and killed his neighbor, Hüseyin Teke (44), in front of Teke’s 11-year-old daughter. The incident took place around 8:15 PM in the Bahçelievler neighborhood.
Dispute Over Parking Spaces
According to reports, Seyfettin B., who owns a car gallery, had been parking some of his business vehicles in the apartment building’s parking lot due to a lack of space at his workplace. Hüseyin Teke, a resident of the same building, found himself unable to park his own car in the lot. Teke reportedly called Seyfettin B. to discuss the issue, expressing his frustration over the occupied parking spaces.
The telephone conversation quickly turned into an argument. Shortly after, the two men encountered each other in front of the building, where the dispute reignited and rapidly escalated into a physical altercation involving a firearm.
Tragic Shooting Unfolds Before Child
During the confrontation, Seyfettin B. allegedly fired his weapon, critically injuring Hüseyin Teke. Despite his injuries, Teke reportedly attempted to disarm his attacker. In the ensuing struggle, the gun discharged a second time, striking Teke in the heart. The entire tragic sequence of events unfolded in front of Teke’s 11-year-old daughter, who was present at the scene.
Seyfettin B. also sustained minor injuries during the scuffle. Emergency services, including police and medical teams, were dispatched to the scene following the incident. Both injured individuals were transported to the hospital. Despite all medical interventions, Hüseyin Teke succumbed to his injuries. Seyfettin B.’s treatment is ongoing, and his condition is not considered life-threatening.
Witness Account from Victim’s Brother-in-Law
Hasan Can Taşçı, Hüseyin Teke’s brother-in-law, provided a dramatic account of the events. “This is a very dramatic incident. My brother-in-law, my elder brother, was killed over a parking dispute. My brother-in-law comes home and calls the car dealer, Seyfettin B., about the cars in the parking lot. He says, ‘What are we going to do about the parking issue, when are we going to move the cars? Let’s do something.’ Seyfettin suddenly reacts impulsively, saying, ‘You can’t call me about this matter.’ These people know each other, they greet each other, they talk. There’s no animosity between them at all.”
Taşçı continued, “Then my brother-in-law says, ‘Why can’t I ask you something? When will these cars be moved?’ Seyfettin then says, ‘Who are you to ask me anything?’ After that, whatever happens, my brother-in-law goes out the door. He tells his wife and children not to open the door, saying, ‘We’re going to argue.’ At that moment, my 11-year-old niece looks through the crack in the door and sees the entire incident. Then, just as a resolution was about to be reached, the guns went off.”
Investigation Underway
Police teams conducted an investigation at the crime scene, and a comprehensive inquiry into the incident has been launched. The exact circumstances leading to the fatal shooting are still being determined. The tragic event has deeply affected the victim’s family, who are now seeking justice.
Teke’s family expressed their grief and shock, highlighting the devastating impact on his two children, aged 11 and 4.5. Taşçı recounted his niece’s heartbreaking words at the scene: “Seyfettin abi, I wish the whole parking lot was yours, but why did you shoot my father?” He emphasized the family’s trust in the justice system, stating, “We trust justice until the end. We are on the side of justice. Because we are not hooligans. It happens in front of his child, and his child there says, ‘Seyfettin abi, I wish the whole parking lot was yours, but why did you shoot my father?’ Seyfettin’s father, Uncle Yakup, comes and cries bitterly. His mother shouts, ‘My son, don’t do it.’ Why would someone take a life? Our pain is immense.”
The incident underscores the tragic consequences that can arise from seemingly minor disputes, especially when weapons are involved. Authorities are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.
