Armenian Man Murdered in Istanbul

In the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, police discovered the body of 64-year-old Agop (Hakob) Deghirmenjioglu in a residential building. Mehmet Sharif Tayik, 45, was arrested on suspicion of murder and confessed to stabbing the man over a disagreement regarding rent payments, according to ErmeniHaber.

Turkish media reported that Tayik had called the police, stating that a foul smell was coming from the building. Upon arrival, officers found the lifeless body of Agop Deghirmenjioglu inside the apartment. It is noted that Turkish media claims Agop is a citizen of Armenia.

An examination of the crime scene revealed stab wounds on the back and side of the man's neck. His body has been transferred to forensic examination to determine the precise cause of death.

The police have classified the incident as murder and have initiated a more in-depth investigation. Tayik, the last person to see Deghirmenjioglu, initially stated during questioning that he found the man motionless when he entered the house.

During the investigation, police discovered inconsistencies in his testimony and subsequently arrested him. While undergoing a second round of questioning at the police station, Tayik confessed to the murder. He claimed that a dispute over rent had occurred between him and Agop Deghirmenjioglu, and he, according to his account, was severely insulted, leading him to stab and kill the man.

After the procedures were completed at the police station, the suspect was taken to court, where he was remanded in custody on charges of intentional murder and sent to prison.

Neighborhood resident Celal Kılıç also commented on the incident, stating that he had known Agop for many years and described him as peaceful and friendly. He noted that Agop had lived in the same building for years, despite its poor condition.

Kılıç further mentioned that the murder occurred in the building's stairwell or corridor, and not inside the apartment. He revealed that the suspect called the police about two days after the incident, reporting the unpleasant odor in the building, and later confessed to the murder.