Background
Events in and around Ankara's Mamak district in the summer of 2007 drew wide attention in the city. According to press reports, a computer engineer was killed at his workplace on 5 June 2007. In September, on 12 September 2007, a garbage collector at the Mamak dump was shot and survived with serious injuries; later the same day a municipal worker was killed.
After these events a large-scale search for the perpetrator began. Reports also said that, at the age of 17, the man had killed a friend and, although sentenced, was released within a short time under an amnesty.
The events in Ankara began as separate incidents in different parts of the city and were considered as a whole only after the suspect was caught. The public was informed through the press, and the file attracted wide media attention for a long time.
The investigation
Police reached the suspect by tracing calls made from a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims. He was caught in Ankara on 14 September 2007 and arrested after giving a statement. Reports say he remained calm under questioning and showed no remorse.
During the investigation and trial, the suspect's past mental-health problems came up. It was reported that he had been hospitalised several times during military service for psychological complaints. This information became decisive at a later stage of the case.
In the steps taken right after the arrest, examination of the phone and other physical evidence formed the basis of the investigation. Reports say the suspect had stated that he wanted to become a well-known criminal; such remarks help explain why the assessment of his mental health became so significant.
The trial
The local court sentenced the defendant to two life terms. However, after review the Court of Cassation concluded that he was not of sound mind and could not stand trial, and the conviction was overturned. He was then placed in a high-security psychiatric unit. The dates of the rulings are not clearly stated in public sources.
A finding of no criminal responsibility means no punishment is imposed, though a security measure may be applied for public safety. In this file the measure was ordered within that framework.
Legacy
The Mamak file is a frequently cited example in debates on forensic psychiatry and criminal responsibility. Questions such as how an insanity defence is assessed in serious crimes, how people released earlier under an amnesty are monitored, and how to balance public safety and individual rights have been discussed through this case.
This text is written with respect for those who lost their lives. Victims are not named, out of consideration for their relatives' privacy.