Kayseri court sentences man to life imprisonment for killing factory manager

A defendant, identified as M. Ş., has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the intentional killing of factory manager Mustafa Demir in Kayseri, Turkey. The incident occurred on April 25, 2026, in front of Demir's residence.

During the trial at the Kayseri 7th High Criminal Court, the victim's family lawyer argued that the killing was premeditated and that the defendant acted as a hitman, requesting the maximum penalty without reductions. Conversely, the defense counsel argued that the defendant went to the location to seek employment and collect unpaid wages rather than to commit murder. The defense also requested reductions based on alleged provocation and the defendant's decision to surrender to authorities immediately after the incident.

The defendant, M. Ş., expressed regret but denied premeditation, claiming he acted in self-defense after Demir allegedly insulted him and reached for his waist. The prosecution had requested a sentence for premeditated intentional murder.