Torrevieja Turkish gang shooting suspects jailed on remand

Firearms have been recovered and suspects' involvement with other incidents is also under investigation

One of the guns recovered as evidence

Three Turkish citizens have been denied bail and jailed on remand in connection with the fatal shooting of a fellow countryman in Torrevieja town centre at about 7pm last Sunday.

The ruling was made by investigating court Nº3 in Torrevieja on Wednesday.

The victim, who was 21 years old, died after being shot in broad daylight at the intersection of Rambla Juan Mateo and Calle Pedro Lorca.

The suspects, aged 23, 30 and 35, are suspected of either homicide or murder, as well as illegal possession of firearms, falsifying documentation, reckless driving and resisting the authorities, according to sources from the Superior Court of Justice for the Valencian Community (TSJCV). All three of them exercised their right to silence, the same sources added.

Investigating officers have indicated that the attack could be related to a settling of scores between Turkish organised crime groups.

A Guardia Civil statement on Wednesday said the suspects’ identities were confirmed by the authorities in Germany, France and the Netherlands.

The force is also collaborating with the National Police drugs and organised crime unit (UDYCO) in Málaga to corroborate the three men’s involvement in other incidents which happened two weeks ago in that province.

They were caught after a dangerous chase involving Guardia Civil and Local Police, which began in cars and ended on foot.

Meanwhile, two Guardia Civil officers started CPR on the victim at the scene until a medical emergency ambulance (SAMU) team arrived and took over, but he was pronounced dead at 19.40.

Two firearms were seized during the arrests, one of which had been thrown to the ground during the pursuit, while the other was found on one of the suspects when he was searched.

A third firearm, which it is suspected was abandoned by the assailants before they were captured, was recovered on Tuesday night thanks to collaboration by the general public and will be examined along with the rest of the evidence gathered.

The Guardia Civil have also confirmed that the suspects were driving a vehicle that had been stolen in France on July 27, and which had been fitted with a cloned number plate corresponding to another, similar car.

Image: Guardia Civil