A husband who shot his wife four times in the head and then turned the gun on himself has told a court he is not fit to stand trial for her murder after surviving the suicide bid.
Judges at Karsiyaka 2nd High Criminal Court, in western Turkey, heard how accused Serdar Karamus, 32, fired four bullets into the back of his wife's head in a city park.
Prosecutors say 29-year-old victim Gozde Karamus died instantly but when jobless Karamus tried to kill himself he survived and was rushed to hospital.
Police say a single gunshot fired from underneath his chin passed through his jaw without causing significant damage.
Photo shows Gozde Karamus with Serdar Karamus, undated. Gozde was allegedly killed by her estranged husband, Serdar Karamus, in Izmir, Turkey. Note: Picture is private (Newsflash)
Now, 16 months after the December 2023 killing, Karamus is facing murder and firearms charges, local media reported on 15th April.
The hearing was told that the couple had just begun a divorce procedure when Karamus accused his wife of cheating, a claim denied strongly by her family.
Photo shows Serdar Karamus, undated. Gozde Karamus was allegedly killed by her estranged husband, Serdar Karamus, in Izmir, Turkey. Note: Picture is private (Serdar Karamus/Newsflash)
They say their daughter decided to leave him after years of torture and abuse at their family home in Izmir, which included beating her with an electric cable.
Her parents say he would whip her with the cable while she was taking baths and stole all her wages while running up huge bills on her credit cards.
And often he would pour boiling water over her or tie her up and beat her, they added.
Photo shows Gozde Karamus, undated. Gozde was allegedly killed by her estranged husband, Serdar Karamus, in Izmir, Turkey. Note: Picture is private (Newsflash)
Judges refused an application to release Karamus from prison where he has been held since his arrest.
But they ordered a medical examination into his capacity to stand trial.
The case continues.
(Clive Goodman / newsX)