Officers on patrol found the latest murder victim, 30-year-old transvestite Mustafa As, dead in his car on Tuesday. They first thought he was asleep but realized he was dead after they opened the car door. As had been shot in the head. Investigators were called to the area, where they found spent cartridge cases. On Monday, 22-year-old Ayşe Selen Ayla, a student at the İzmir University of Economics, was killed while returning to her dorm after going shopping. The day before, 27-year-old Esra Yaşar, an employee at a bank, was murdered in the same district while walking home. Forensic reports reveal that 7.65 mm bullets were used in all three murders. The three victims also all had their handbags stolen. These similarities have strengthened the thesis that the incidents are connected. Police are continuing to investigate the events. Fears that a serial killer is on the prowl were voiced after the second murder, and police are taking extensive security measures in the district.
Balçova residents remain concerned. Fuat Çiftçi, who works as a chef at a restaurant, said women in the district are scared to go out alone. Taxi driver İcabi Göktaş said: “Students have begun to take the taxi to go anywhere. I have been living here for 25 years. This used to be a silent and decent district. This is the first time we’re encountering this type of incident. I hope the killers are caught as soon as possible.”
