Murderer of teen faces 24-year sentence

An Istanbul prosecutor has decided to seek a prison sentence of 24 years for Cem Garipoğlu, who stands accused of murdering and dismembering his ex-girlfriend in 2009.

Four other suspects, including the suspect’s mother, Akbule Garipoğlu, and uncle, Hayyam Garipoğlu, were sentenced to three years for destruction of evidence. No charges were pressed against the suspect’s father, Nida Garipoğlu.

“The sentence was the highest that the court could give,” lawyer Yılmaz Yazıcıoğlu told the Hürriyet Daily News.

Cem Garipoğlu is being tried in juvenile court since he was not 18 at the time of the murder.

“He may serve 18 years if he shows good behavior,” Yazıcıoğlu added. According to Turkish law, one quarter of a sentencing is remitted where a suspect shows good behavior during his jail time.

The remains of Münevver Karabulut, 17, were found in a garbage can in central Istanbul’s Etiler neighborhood.

Some accused Cem Garipoğlu’s family, who are extremely wealthy, of using their connections to hide their son.