Islington Man Jailed for 35 Years Over Murder of Pensioner
Serkan Kaygusuz, 42, of Sparsholt Road, Islington, was sentenced to 35 years behind bars at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 22 February. The jury took just 29 minutes to convict him of murdering 70-year-old Norma Girolami.
Deceived Family with Fake Texts
Norma was last seen in mid-August 2021 and initially reported missing by a friend on 13 September. Police visits to her home found nothing amiss. However, suspicious text messages sent from Norma’s phone claimed she was on holiday, but relatives quickly spotted the faker—full of grammatical mistakes and odd pet names, written by Kaygusuz, who spoke Turkish as his first language.
Norma was formally reported missing on 20 September. By October, police launched a full murder investigation after uncovering disturbing evidence.
Dark Truth Behind a ‘Friendly’ Relationship
Norma, who lived in Highgate and often travelled to Brent Cross, met Kaygusuz at Archway Leisure Centre. What started as friendship turned sinister when Kaygusuz, unemployed, demanded money. Norma had already handed over more than £200,000 and even bought him a car. By August 2021, she confided to a friend about his constant demands and her drained finances.
On 19 August, Norma spent the day in Leigh-on-Sea. Meanwhile, Kaygusuz applied for £60,000 in loans in her name. Police found her jewellery, mobile phone, bank cards, passport, and house keys at Kaygusuz’s and another woman’s addresses.
Forensic Hunt Leads to Verdict
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said: “Kaygusuz’s online purchase history revealed what basically looked like a body disposal kit. Although we never found Norma’s body, we were certain he killed her and buried her in a graveyard or communal space.”
The search for Norma’s remains lasted 15 months. Detectives analysed forensics, CCTV, mobile phones, and vehicle data. Crucially, images from Kaygusuz’s phone led investigators to St James Churchyard—the final piece in the puzzle.
“Despite the ordeal, Norma’s loved ones showed incredible strength throughout the investigation and graphic trial. Kaygusuz’s treatment of Norma was calculated, controlling and highly abusive. He is a dangerous man, driven by greed,” added Blackburn.
Police urge anyone who may have been targeted by Kaygusuz to come forward for support. Detective Blackburn praised her team’s relentless pursuit of justice. “I’m proud we’ve delivered closure to Norma’s family by bringing her killer to justice.”
