Man denies his alleged part in suspected Chelmsford murder
Cumali Turhan was last seen five weeks ago and detectives are still searching for answers
Last updated 23rd Dec 2024
A man appeared in court today (Monday 23 December) to face two charges as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Cumali Turhan in Chelmsford.
Ciprian Ilie, 44, pleaded not guilty to assisting an offender (murder) and preventing lawful and decent burial of a dead body when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.
He was remanded into custody and a trial date was set for September 2025.
The investigation into the disappearance of 45-year-old Cumali is continuing and officers still want to hear from anyone who may have any information.
As part of those enquiries a second suspect has been identified as Ceyhan Dinler, 38, from Chelmsford.
He left the country via Stansted Airport on the same day Cumali was last in contact with anyone.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who is leading the investigation, said: “It is five weeks since anyone saw Cumali in The Globe pub on Rainsford Road.
Our enquiries suggest he may later have been in Barista in Duke Street.
This is an extremely challenging investigation, and we have a team of officers from across Essex Police working to find answers for Cumali’s family.”