Turkey requests extradition: Teen and mother flee to U.S. after fatal crash

Turkey has formally sought the extradition of a teenager and his mother, who escaped to the United States following a deadly car accident in Istanbul, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc revealed on Tuesday.

cumhuriyet.com.tr

The incident involved a 16-year-old, driving without a license, identified only by his initials, T.C., due to his minor status.

The crash, which occurred in northern Istanbul on March 1, resulted in one fatality and injured four others. Reports from Turkish media suggest the teenager holds dual U.S. citizenship, a detail not confirmed by Turkish authorities.

Charged with causing death by negligence, the teenager, alongside his mother—who faces charges of aiding a criminal—fled to Egypt and subsequently to the United States after the accident. Minister Tunc disclosed that Turkey initiated the extradition process on March 7 through diplomatic means and Interpol, engaging the U.S. Justice Department, which has since requested further documentation from Turkey.

"We have provided these documents and are monitoring the process attentively. We are hopeful for a favorable response from the U.S. administration," Tunc stated, emphasizing Turkey's commitment to pursuing the extradition.