In a case that reads like a crime thriller, a Vermont father stands accused of masterminding the brutal murder of his business partner, revealing a web of international fraud and deadly ambition.
The Fatal Partnership
Gregory Davis, a 49-year-old Vermont father and businessman, found himself entangled in what prosecutors describe as a murder-for-hire plot that would ultimately claim his life. The investigation has uncovered connections to Serhat Gumrukcu, a Turkish entrepreneur with a controversial past, who allegedly played a central role in the conspiracy.
International Connections
Court documents reveal that Gumrukcu, despite his claims of being a respected scientist and businessman, had previously faced fraud allegations in Turkey. The partnership between Davis and Gumrukcu involved ambitious energy deals, including a multi-million dollar proposal to supply crude oil to Afghanistan that authorities now believe was entirely fraudulent.
The Deadly Turn
According to federal prosecutors, the business relationship soured dramatically when Davis threatened to expose what he believed were fraudulent activities. This threat allegedly prompted Gumrukcu and his associates to arrange for Davis's murder, culminating in a fatal shooting on a snowy Vermont roadside in January 2018.
Complex Investigation
The case remained cold for years until investigators pieced together phone records, financial transactions, and witness statements that allegedly connect Gumrukcu to the murder plot. Evidence suggests the killing was orchestrated to prevent Davis from revealing details about their fraudulent business dealings to authorities.
Multiple Arrests
Several individuals have been charged in connection with the murder, including Jerry Banks, who prosecutors claim was hired as the trigger man. The investigation continues to uncover new details about the international scope of the conspiracy and the sophisticated methods used to conceal the crime.
