Essex Police are continuing an international manhunt for a man accused of the brutal murder and mutilation of a father in a case believed to be motivated by a love affair.
A Horrific Discovery in a Landfill Site
The body of Cumali Turhan, 45, was discovered 45 days after he was killed, found at the Enovert landfill site in Stanway, some 20 miles from the scene of the attack. The Turkish national and Tottenham Hotspur fan had been reported missing after last being seen on November 19, 2024.
Post-mortem examinations revealed the horrific extent of the violence. Mr Turhan's tongue and genitals had been cut out while he was still alive, with bruising indicating the tongue was forcibly removed. These body parts were later found dumped in a bin. He was also fatally stabbed in the neck.
CCTV and a Heated Discussion
The investigation established that Mr Turhan had been in The Glove pub in Chelmsford with the prime suspect, Ceyhan Dinler. Prosecutors believe there was an "ongoing and simmering issue" between the two men, allegedly over an affair between Mr Turhan and Dinler's partner.
CCTV footage captured the pair having a "heated" discussion. Despite this, the men were seen shaking hands before leaving the pub together. The attack is believed to have occurred shortly afterwards at the Barista Bar on Duke Street, just a minute's walk from Chelmsford police station.
Forensic evidence at the scene was crucial. Police found the victim's blood on the ceiling and a bloody fingerprint belonging to Dinler on a table. The CCTV did not show Mr Turhan leaving the premises alive.
International Flight and a Convicted Accomplice
Ceyhan Dinler fled the United Kingdom for his native Turkey the day after the attack, complicating the pursuit of justice. However, one man has already been jailed in connection with the crime.
In October 2025, Romanian national Ciprian Ilie, 44, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of assisting an offender and preventing a lawful burial.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, emphasised the resolve of her team. "At the heart of this case is a father who lost his life in truly horrific circumstances and a young daughter who must grow up without him," she said. "We are resolute in our determination to ensure our main suspect in this case is also brought before the courts."
The full, chilling details of the investigation and the extensive search for Mr Turhan's remains are revealed in a Channel 4 documentary, 'Catching a Killer: Buried Truths', which aired on January 6, 2026.
