WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT: Atilla Ayintapli, 44, was caught on camera shooting his ex-wife, Eser Karaca, 42, in the head at a private hospital in Turkey where she worked as a medical secretary
A chilling video has emerged showing a man hunting down his ex-wife through a hospital in south-central Turkey before shooting her in the head.
The footage, obtained by NewsX, reveals the terrifying moment 44 year old Atilla Ayintapli fires at his former spouse, Eser Karaca, 42, at the private hospital where she was employed as a medical secretary. The mother of two had filed a restraining order against him just hours earlier.
In the CCTV clip from May, Ayintapli is seen entering the office space brandishing a large shotgun. Upon spotting him, Karaca attempts to escape to an adjacent room with a colleague, but he pursues them while horrified onlookers flee in the opposite direction.
READ MORE: Brit dad fights for life in Thai hospital as family spend £500 a day on treatment
READ MORE: Question Time MP heckled after calling Donald Trump ‘wrong’ about autism links
In her final moments, Karaca can be seen raising her hands in a futile attempt to shield herself from the onslaught. But Ayintapli wasn’t finished, firing twice more at Karaca’s lifeless body, reports the Mirror US.
In the aftermath of the brutal incident, Ayintapli fled the scene while Karaca’s distraught colleagues rushed over, screaming and crying at the horrific sight. Despite being rushed to the emergency room in the very hospital where she worked, Karaca tragically died from her injuries.
According to authorities, the woman had lodged a fourth restraining order on the morning of the shooting after he had been stalking her in an attempt to reconcile despite past abuse. However, her ex-husband shot her just before the order could be served.
Turkish police swiftly apprehended Ayintapli and arrested him shortly afterwards. He is facing charges for the murder of Karaca as well as threatening her colleague with a weapon.
During questioning, he admitted to killing his ex-wife and was subsequently taken to court. Prosecutors are pushing for a life sentence following the indictment. He is currently awaiting trial.
Femicides, the act of murdering women and girls due to their gender, has become an escalating problem in Turkey.
In a shocking ruling back in August, Turkey’s highest court decreed that a man can receive a reduced sentence for murdering a woman if she “provoked him by refusing to have sex.”
The verdict has sparked fury, with campaigners and legal experts cautioning that the ruling could establish a perilous precedent, highlighting systemic problems in Turkey’s judicial approach to femicide.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.