Childhood Friend Shot in Istanbul; Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder

A man in Istanbul has been arrested and jailed for attempting to murder his childhood friend, Berat Ç., in a shooting that occurred on August 24, 2025. The suspect, identified as Serhat E., allegedly opened fire on Berat Ç. while the victim was in his car in the Çağlayan neighborhood.

Berat Ç. sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital. Following the incident, police launched an investigation, reviewing security camera footage. The footage showed the attacker fleeing the scene in a light commercial vehicle from a gas station and revealed that Serhat E. had been in Berat Ç.'s car before the shooting, traveling through various parts of the neighborhood.

Authorities identified Serhat E. as the assailant and apprehended him in an operation. During questioning, Serhat E. reportedly admitted to knowing Berat Ç. as a childhood friend. He stated that Berat Ç. was involved with his ex-fiancée, Tuana T., and that he only learned about this relationship after their engagement was broken off. He denied any involvement in the shooting, claiming he learned about it later and did not know who was responsible.

Both Serhat E. and Berat Ç. have extensive criminal records. Serhat E. has nine prior offenses, including drug use, assault, and violating firearms laws. Berat Ç. has five prior offenses, including drug trafficking, drug use, and assault. Meanwhile, footage emerged showing a woman crying and repeatedly asking "Who shot him?" as Berat Ç. received medical attention at the scene.