Essex Police have launched a major murder investigation following the disappearance of Cumali Turhan, 45, from Chelmsford, last seen on Tuesday, November 19. A significant update reveals that police are now conducting searches at a landfill site in Colchester, while one man has been charged and a second suspect has fled overseas.
What We Know So Far
The Victim
Cumali Turhan was reported missing after failing to arrive at work on November 19. He was last seen at The Globe pub on Rainsford Road in Chelmsford just after midnight. Investigators believe he may have later been at Barista, a restaurant on Duke Street, which has since been closed as forensic officers carry out investigations.
Turhan’s disappearance has raised serious concerns, with police treating the case as a murder investigation. Despite extensive searches, including at a refuse transfer site in Chelmsford, his body has not yet been located.
The Investigation
Suspects
One man, Ciprian Illie, 44, of no fixed abode, has been charged with assisting an offender (murder) and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body. Illie appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on November 23, where it was revealed that a second suspect, believed to be the main perpetrator, had fled to Turkey. The second suspect has not yet been officially named by police.
Search Efforts
Police have focused their forensic work on Duke Street in Chelmsford, including Barista restaurant and nearby alleyways. Investigators have now identified a 5,000-square-metre area at a landfill site in Colchester where search teams are working daily in challenging conditions to locate Turhan’s body.
Detective Superintendent Ash Howard, leading the investigation, stated:
“Our specialist teams have been working day and night to build a picture of the circumstances leading up to Cumali’s disappearance. This activity now involves a detailed search of part of a landfill site in Essex. We are exploring all possibilities to locate Cumali and bring justice for his family.
Community Appeal
Det Supt Howard has urged the Turkish community in Chelmsford to come forward with any information or concerns related to the case. Police have set up resources to provide updates in Turkish and encourage residents to speak to officers stationed in the area.
He also appealed for people to avoid speculation on social media, emphasizing that this is a distressing time for Turhan’s loved ones.
How to Help
Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police directly via their online portal or by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 2195/19Nov. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are committed to pursuing all avenues to locate Turhan and bring those responsible to justice.
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