Essex Police Launch Murder Hunt After Man Vanishes in Chelmsford
Essex Police are scrambling after Cumali Turhan, 45, vanished from Chelmsford on Tuesday, November 19. The drama has taken a dark turn with a murder inquiry now underway. Police are combing a landfill site in Colchester, one man has been charged, and a key suspect has fled abroad.
Who Is Cumali Turhan?
Cumali Turhan was reported missing after he never showed up for work on November 19. Last spotted just after midnight at The Globe pub on Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, he is also believed to have been at Barista restaurant on Duke Street. The eatery is now closed as forensic teams hunt for clues.
Police are treating his disappearance as a suspected murder. Despite exhaustive searches—including at a refuse site in Chelmsford—no sign of Turhan has been found yet.
Man Charged, Suspect on the Run
- Ciprian Illie, 44, homeless, faces charges for assisting an offender and disturbing a corpse.
- He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on November 23.
- The main suspect remains at large, believed to have fled to Turkey.
- Police have not named the fleeing suspect.
Massive Search Underway
Forensic teams are zeroing in on Duke Street and Barista’s surroundings. Now, the spotlight is on a sprawling 5,000-square-metre patch of landfill in Colchester where crews are digging relentlessly in tough conditions.
Detective Superintendent Ash Howard said: “Our specialist teams have been working day and night to piece together what happened before Cumali went missing. We’re conducting a detailed search at a landfill in Essex, exploring every lead to find him and bring justice for his family.”
Community Plea and How to Help
Det Supt Howard urged the Turkish community in Chelmsford to step forward with any information. Updates are being provided in Turkish, and officers are available to talk locally.
He cautioned against speculation on social media, stressing the pain this is causing Turhan’s family.
If you have any info, contact Essex Police online or call 101 quoting reference CAD 2195/19Nov. Tips can also be sent anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation continues as police dig deep to crack this chilling case.
