Cumali Turhan Obituary, Death;- A comprehensive search of a large landfill site is ongoing as law enforcement seeks to locate the remains of a murder victim. Essex Police suspect that Cumali Turhan, aged 45, from Chelmsford, was murdered and subsequently disposed of in a refuse bin.
Authorities have indicated that teams of officers are conducting a “methodical” examination of the 5,000 square meter site in Essex, although they have not disclosed its precise location. According to Essex Police, Mr. Turhan was last seen in the early hours of November 19 at The Globe pub on Rainsford Road in Chelmsford.
The police have stated that there is information suggesting he may have later visited Barista, a bar and restaurant located on Duke Street, but CCTV footage does not capture him leaving the premises.
He was reported missing to the police on the evening of November 19 after failing to show up for work. One individual has been charged with aiding an offender in committing murder and obstructing the lawful and respectful burial of a deceased person.
Ciprian Ilie, 44, who has no fixed address, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and has been remanded to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 23. A second individual, whose identity has not been disclosed by the police, has been identified as a suspect.
Detective Superintendent Ash Howard stated that this second suspect left the country on the same day Mr. Turhan went missing, and efforts are underway to locate him. On Wednesday, Mr. Howard noted that officers had previously searched a waste transfer facility in the Chelmsford area and would now proceed with a “detailed search of a section of a landfill site in Essex.”
“This specialized search operation will involve teams of officers working daily in a highly challenging environment,” he remarked. “We have pinpointed a 5,000 square meter area on the site where our search efforts will be concentrated.
“We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the site owners as this crucial work is carried out. It is a systematic process that will require time, and we will not expedite it.” He emphasized that officers are “dedicated to uncovering answers for Cumali’s family” and acknowledged that the investigation may be particularly distressing for the Turkish community in Chelmsford.
