Background
In 2008, as the number of men dying or going missing in similar circumstances grew on Istanbul's Asian side, the events began to be referred to as the work of the 'Well Killer'. According to press reports, the first incident occurred around May 2008, and missing-person reports followed in the coming weeks. It was reported that most of the missing men were gay, and that the events at first drew little attention for that reason.
The cases began to be treated as a serial-murder file after three bodies were found in an old water well in Kartal on 5 August 2008. The discovery of the well was the turning point of the investigation, and the missing-person reports were re-examined in the light of it.
The discovery in Kartal began an investigation that also sought answers to questions long asked by the relatives of missing men. Three of the victims were identified in the press along with their ages and occupations, among them a door and lock fitter, a pizza chef and a teacher.
The investigation
Police carried out a long-running operation to find the perpetrator. According to reports, teams worked in the area without revealing their identities, and the suspect was put under technical and physical surveillance. During that time he was seen returning to the place where the well was located. Once enough evidence had been gathered, he was caught and arrested on 20 November 2008.
The number of victims is given as four, five or six depending on the source. The discrepancy arises because some deaths mentioned in the suspect's statements could not be definitively confirmed and different figures reached the press at different stages. Reports say he told investigators he acted for financial reasons.
About three and a half months passed between the discovery at the well and the suspect's arrest. During that time the investigation advanced through missing-person reports and technical surveillance, while the public followed developments in the press.
The trial
The court sentenced the defendant to six aggravated life terms. This information comes from compilations; the date of the ruling and the appeal process are not clearly stated in public sources.
The perpetrator is not named here; the aim of this text is to remember the victims.
Legacy
The file is often cited in discussions of the visibility of hate-motivated violence. Questions such as how crimes against LGBTI+ people are handled in missing-person and murder files, the hesitation relatives may feel when filing reports, and social stigma have been discussed through this case.
This text is written with respect for those who lost their lives. Details about the victims' identities and private lives are left out, out of consideration for their relatives' privacy.