Body of woman missing for 14 years found buried in orange grove

The remains of Selbi Uyğur, who disappeared 14 years ago, have been discovered buried in an orange grove in Hatay, Turkey. Uyğur vanished in 2012, a year after her father-in-law, Mehmet Uyğur, was found murdered.

An investigation into Mehmet Uyğur's death in 2011 initially identified his wife, Hatice Uyğur, and his son, Yaşar T., as suspects. Selbi Uyğur was also implicated in the murder. While Hatice Uyğur and Yaşar T. were arrested at the time, Selbi Uyğur remained at large and was subsequently reported missing.

Years later, a renewed investigation coordinated by the Ministry of Justice's Department for Researching Unsolved Crimes reopened Selbi Uyğur's case. Comprehensive inquiries spanning multiple provinces, including Hatay, Mersin, İzmir, and İstanbul, along with interviews of suspects already in custody for the father-in-law's murder, led investigators to a grim conclusion.

Authorities determined that Selbi Uyğur had participated in the 2011 intentional homicide of her father-in-law. It is believed that a year later, she was murdered by Yaşar T., Hatice Uyğur, and another individual, O.Ç., and her body was concealed in an orange grove in the Dörtyol district of Hatay. Following confessions from the suspects, an excavation at the indicated site uncovered human bones and clothing after 15 days. Forensic analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Selbi Uyğur. Yaşar T., Hatice Uyğur, and O.Ç. have since been arrested and charged with premeditated murder.