Kocaeli Court Sentences Murderer to Life Imprisonment in İzmit Killing

A court in Kocaeli sentenced Selçuk Seis to life imprisonment for the intentional murder of Mertcan Pekatik, who was shot dead on 19 June 2022 after a dispute in İzmit's Kemalpaşa neighbourhood. Seis had previously received an additional 27‑year term for attempted murder of three friends, while co‑defendants were initially acquitted.

Following an appeal, the Turkish Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) overturned the convictions of Burak D. and Cemal B., ordering their acquittal, and ordered a new judgment for Onurcan Güldağ, sentencing him to 11 years for attempted murder. The case was remanded to the Kocaeli 4th Heavy Penal Court, where prosecutors have asked the judges to apply the Yargıtay decision. In the latest hearing, Seis was linked via the national video system, and Güldağ appeared in court without bail.