Catching a Killer: Buried Truths

An Essex Police murder investigation, which included the search to find the body of a missing father in a landfill site, will feature in a new Channel 4 documentary.

Catching A Killer: Buried Truths focuses on the complex investigation into the death of Cumali Turhan in Chelmsford in November 2024.

It started with a concerned call after 45-year-old Cumali failed to show up to work and quickly escalated into a complex no body murder investigation.

The prime-time documentary, produced by Candour, will air on Tuesday 6 January and will feature senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe and Police Sergeant Simon Gray, who led the meticulous 47-day search to find Cumali.

This search is believed to be the first time an active police search of a landfill site in the UK has recovered a body.

The entire search involved more than 1650 officer shifts searching in 10 separate locations.

DCI Metcalfe said:

“Throughout this extremely challenging investigation every officer and member of staff involved was committed to finding Cumali and securing justice for him and his loved ones.
“At the heart of this case is a father who lost his life in truly horrific circumstances and a young daughter who must grow up without him.
“We never lost sight of this, and we are resolute in our determination to ensure our main suspect in this case is also brought before the courts.”

Sergeant Si Gray said:

“I hope this documentary shows people the dedication and commitment of everyone involved in that search.
“We were faced with an incredibly challenging environment and often poor weather conditions, which hampered this sensitive and intricate work.
“It was never lost on us that we needed to find Cumali and bring him home to his family.”

On 14 October a man was jailed for seven years in connection with this investigation.

Ciprian Ilie, 44, of no fixed address, had denied assisting an offender (murder) and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body. He was convicted following a three-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

On Tuesday November 19, the day Cumali was reported missing, 38-year-old Ceyhan Dinler left the UK via Stansted Airport.

Detectives want to speak to Mr Dinler in connection with Cumali’s death.

They are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and appropriate authorities to achieve this.

Catching a Killer: Buried Truths is available Tuesday 6 January 9pm to watch or stream on Channel 4.