Gang member convicted of manslaughter in radio DJ’s brutal killing

A gang member involved in the abduction and brutal killing of a beloved radio DJ, Koray Alpergin, in a restaurant while his girlfriend was confined in a toilet, has been convicted of manslaughter.

Koray Alpergin, aged 43, owned the Turkish radio station Bizim FM and was acquainted with celebrities such as rapper P Diddy and social media star ‘Salt Bae’. He and his girlfriend, Gozde Dalbudak, 34, were kidnapped outside his north London home after dining in Mayfair, the Old Bailey was informed.

Alpergin endured 94 severe injuries before his death, while Dalbudak was imprisoned in a toilet at the Stadium Lounge, near Tottenham Hotspur’s ground, for two days. His naked corpse was later abandoned in Loughton, Essex, and discovered by a dog walker.

Dylan Weatherley, 20, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter, kidnapping, and false imprisonment by an Old Bailey jury. Following the verdict, Weatherley sobbed and shouted before being removed from the dock.

Isay Stoyanov, 43, a builder, was cleared of murder, kidnapping, and false imprisonment but was convicted of obstructing justice. During the trial, Stoyanov claimed he was only at the Stadium Lounge to clean up after a wedding, noticing a fridge blocking a toilet door but assuming it was out of order.

Kyle Mitchell-Peart, 31, previously admitted to kidnapping and false imprisonment and awaits sentencing. Judge Sarah Whitehouse, KC, has postponed sentencing for Weatherley, Mitchell-Peart, and Stoyanov until 5 September.

Tejean Kennedy, 33, and Ali Kavak, 26, were acquitted of murder in a prior trial but convicted of manslaughter, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. Kavak also faced charges of obstructing justice by aiding in disposing of Alpergin’s body and destroying vehicles by fire. Kennedy received an 18-year sentence, while Kavak was sentenced to 13 years in December.

Samuel Owusu-Opuku, 35, a father of two and welfare sector worker, was cleared of murder but found guilty of kidnapping Alpergin and Dalbudak. He and Yigit Hurman, 18, admitted to perverting the course of justice. Steffan Gordon, 34, was convicted of kidnapping and false imprisonment, receiving an eight-year sentence. Owusu-Opuku was sentenced to seven years, and Hurman received a two-year sentence for assisting in the disposal of the body and burning a van.

Authorities are searching for another suspect, Ali Yildirim, 28, believed to have fled to Turkey following the crime. Dalbudak returned to Turkey after the kidnapping and has refused to return to testify in either trial.

Prosecutor Crispin Aylett, KC, detailed Alpergin’s kidnapping, describing how he was forcibly placed into a white van with Dalbudak after being ambushed by four men as he exited his car. The van transported the couple to the Stadium Lounge, where Alpergin was murdered, and Dalbudak was confined in a toilet for nearly two days.

Dalbudak’s ordeal about manslaughter included being struck in the face, blindfolded, and restrained before being locked in a foul-smelling lavatory. Her possessions, including an iPhone and jewellery, were taken. She later told police she feared for her life and pleaded to be sent to Istanbul without involving the authorities.

Alpergin’s body was found with multiple injuries, including broken ribs, head injuries, and burns. A pathologist determined that he could not have survived the injuries for long, suggesting a group of individuals took turns inflicting harm.

Stoyanov, during his testimony, denied knowledge of the kidnapping and murder. He claimed he was asked to clean the Stadium Lounge following a wedding and was unaware of the crime. His DNA was found on cleaning products and surfaces within the restaurant. Stoyanov was paid £20 for his work and wore gloves, as he typically did for his job as a builder.

Weatherley, of Tottenham, and Stoyanov, of Haringey, denied all charges of murder, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. Mitchell-Peart, from north London, admitted to kidnapping and false imprisonment.