Suspect in 1984 German Murder Apprehended in Türkiye After 41 Years
Turkish authorities have arrested a man living under a false identity in Hatay, southern Türkiye, who is believed to be responsible for the 1984 murder of 19-year-old Maria Köhler in Aschaffenburg, Germany. The breakthrough in the decades-old cold case came after a distinctive scar beneath the suspect’s right eye was noted during the investigation.
Maria Köhler, a nursing student at aschaffenburg City Hospital, was found strangled in her dormitory room on July 30, 1984.German police quickly identified her ex-boyfriend, 25-year-old Nazmi gezginci, as the prime suspect. Gezginci fled Germany for Türkiye the day after the murder, evading capture for 41 years.
The case was reopened by German authorities, who issued an arrest warrant and initiated an international manhunt.Their suspicions led them to request a red notice from Interpol, believing Gezginci might be residing in Türkiye. A joint effort between German police, the Hatay Police Department, and the Interpol-Europol Division led to the apprehension.
Turkish investigators conducted surveillance on addresses associated with gezginci and his relatives. They observed an elderly man frequently visiting these locations. Under close watch,the man,who was using a different identity,was noted to have a physical appearance consistent with Gezginci’s description,including the scar under his right eye.
The suspect was taken into custody in the Serinyol neighborhood of the Antakya district in Hatay. Legal proceedings have commenced against him. Reports indicate that Gezginci allegedly killed his former girlfriend out of jealousy, suspecting infidelity.
