Yonca Kölge murder investigation completed: Aggravated life sentence requested for ex-wife

The investigation into the stabbing death of Yonca Kölge (28), a mother of 3 children, by her ex-husband Salih Birinci (30) in a hotel room in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, on April 3, 2026, has been completed.

HE CAME TO THE HOTEL WITH HIS EX-WIFE AND LEAVED ALONE

According to the news on İHA, in the indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Yonca Kölge was listed as the 'victim' and Salih Birinci as the 'defendant'. In the indictment, it was stated that the defendant Biri entered the hotel with Kölge, but left alone.

HE WAS CAUGHT AT THE CONSTRUCTION AFTER THE MURDER

In the indictment, it was stated that the defendant Biri was caught by police teams in a construction site in Arnavutköy after the incident, and it was stated that the defendant was convicted of another crime and was on leave from prison on March 26. On the other hand, the statement of the defendant was also included in the indictment.

"I THROWN THE CONSTANTLY RINGING PHONE OUT THE WINDOW"

In his statement, the defendant said, "The victim called me on the day of the incident, so we met. We went to visit our children in the dormitory. Then, we bought alcohol and went to the hotel. While we were together, I was disturbed by the constant ringing of the phone and I took the phone from Yonca's hand and threw it out the window.

"IT WAS UNDER THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL"

Thereupon, Yonca took out a knife and said, 'Let me go, otherwise I will stab you.' At that moment, I took a knife and swung it randomly. "The incident occurred under the influence of alcohol," he said.

HEAVY LIFE IMPRISONMENT WAS REQUESTED

The indictment also included the information that in the death examination report made on the victim, 22 sharp and stabbing wounds were detected on his body.

In the indictment prepared, it was requested that the defendant Salih Birinci be punished with aggravated life imprisonment for 'intentional murder of a woman with monstrous feelings or torture'.

The prepared indictment was accepted by the Bakırköy 17th High Criminal Court. The trial of the defendant will begin in the coming days.