Wis. Man, Who Lived with Girlfriend’s Decomposing Body for 3 Weeks Before Reporting Death, Charged with Reckless Homicide

Wisconsin Man Charged with Reckless Homicide After Living with Girlfriend’s Body for 20 Days Before Reporting Death

A Wisconsin man has been charged with reckless homicide after authorities discovered he had been living with his girlfriend’s decomposing body for 20 days before reporting her death to the police. The case unfolded when 22-year-old Serkan Akcilad walked into the Milwaukee Police Administration Building on February 27 and disclosed that he had found his girlfriend, Silan Tut, dead on the floor of their apartment on January 24. Akcilad claimed that upon returning home from buying cleaning supplies, he discovered Tut covered in blood, lying motionless on the floor.

According to the criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, Akcilad initially thought Tut was joking and attempted to move her before realising the severity of the situation. The Turkish national reportedly cited unfamiliarity with the laws of the country as the reason for not reporting the incident sooner. Upon searching the Vim Vigor Lofts apartment complex, authorities found Tut’s body in a staged position with 12 stab wounds to various parts of her body, indicating a violent struggle.

Investigators also uncovered evidence of a cleanup effort within the apartment, including traces of blood that had been meticulously removed. Moreover, Akcilad’s purchase of cleaning supplies on the day of Tut’s death, as captured on store surveillance video, further implicated him in the crime. The disturbing details of the case have shocked the community, prompting questions about Akcilad’s motives and mental state during the 20 days he spent living with Tut’s remains.

Furthermore, Akcilad’s attempt to deceive Tut’s family in Turkey by impersonating her through text messages and a fabricated photograph has raised concerns about his premeditated actions following the murder. Despite confessing to certain aspects of the crime during police questioning, Akcilad has not entered a plea as of yet. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 19, shedding light on the legal proceedings that will unfold in the coming weeks.

The tragic nature of Tut’s death and the circumstances surrounding it serve as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in unravelling cases of domestic violence and homicide. The delay in reporting the incident, coupled with Akcilad’s apparent efforts to conceal the crime, have underscored the need for increased awareness and support for individuals facing similar situations. As the case continues to unfold, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice for Silan Tut and advocating for greater resources to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

In the wake of this harrowing incident, authorities are urging individuals to speak out against domestic violence, emphasising the importance of early intervention and support for those in abusive relationships. The repercussions of such crimes extend beyond the immediate individuals involved, highlighting the broader impact of violence within communities. As the legal process moves forward, the focus remains on honouring the memory of Silan Tut and ensuring that justice is served for her untimely passing.