Two brothers have been arrested over the fatal stabbing of an Irish tourist in the Bodrum area in June.
John Edward Donnelly (64), a well-known amateur musical director with connections to the Wexford Light Opera and other musical societies, had arrived in resort in May and had rented an apartment in Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi.
Mr Donnelly
His body was found in the apartment at 2pm on Friday June 3 after his neighbours saw a bloodied knife in front of the building and notified police.
At the time, police said CCTV footage showed two men leaving Mr Donnelly’s apartment building during the night.
Within the last few days, it has emerged that two brothers named by local media as Mehmet Irmak (28) and Sinan Irmak (20), along with two others, were detained.
The Irmak brothers were detained in custody for murder, while the other two men were released by the prosecutor’s office.
The accused are taken to court in relation to the death of Mr Donnelly
Local media said Mr Donnelly had suffered stab wounds to his head and back.
The accused are taken to court
The Haberturk Newspaper suggested that a discussion between the victim and the brothers at the apartment had escalated and the fatal blows being landed.
Mr Donnelly, who is understood to have been single, had worked for Customs in the Republic up until his retirement. He was a well-known amateur musical director.
At the time of his death, Colm Moules, president of the Association of Irish Musical Societies, told The Irish Independent: “John was really admired and loved for his work, particularly with Wexford Light Opera, and many other societies that he helped.
“He had a great sharp wit as well. It’s fair to say he will be missed by friends from the four corners of Ireland.”