Below Deck Alum and Brother Say Self-Defense After Teen's Death in Turkey

Former “Below Deck” star João Franco and his brother, Karlos, have been formally arrested in Turkey and told police they acted in self-defense after a fight in which a 17-year-old store employee died, according to reports by the Associated Press and Fox News. Authorities have not publicly said what charges the brothers face.

The brawl took place Nov. 7 outside a clothing store in the Bodrum district of Muğla, a resort area in southwestern Turkey. The teenager, identified in local reports as Muhammet Koyabakan, fell during the fight and later died in a hospital.

What the brothers have told police

The Associated Press, citing Demiroren News Agency, reported that João Franco and his brother told police that others attacked them and that they acted in self-defense. The brothers also denied hitting the teenager, according to those reports.

Fox News reported that the pair were first detained and later formally arrested. Suggest.com reported that both men were brought before a court in Bodrum and remain in custody while the investigation continues.

What local media and security footage describe

Demiroren News Agency, as relayed by Fox News, reported that the brothers were intoxicated and swearing during a verbal argument that grew into a physical fight. Haberler.com reported that the two men entered the store, where they began using abusive language and arguing with the staff.

Security camera footage obtained by Page Six appears to show Karlos Franco throwing the first punch, Fox News reported. The footage, as described by Fox News and Starcasm, shows João Franco at first stepping between his brother and the employees, apparently trying to calm the situation, before taking part in the fighting himself. Starcasm described a scuffle among the brothers and several other men, during which the teenager appeared to be punched and fall.

Fox News also reported that one man in the footage appeared to grab a nearby stool, seemingly to throw it at the brothers.

Accounts differ on how the teenager was hurt. Haberler.com, quoted by Starcasm, said he was struck by a punch from one of the tourists and then fell and hit his head against a staircase. The Associated Press, citing Demiroren, reported that he fell as the fight went on and hit his head on the ground. Suggest.com reported that he suffered a severe head injury and cardiac arrest, and that emergency responders revived him before taking him to the hospital, where he died.

What this means for the case

No court has ruled on whether either brother is responsible for the teenager’s death, and the footage as described does not make clear who struck him. Starcasm, citing the Turkish outlet Star Ana Haber, reported that the two men may face murder charges, but authorities have not publicly specified any charges.

For now, both brothers are in custody in Turkey. Fox News reported that they were born in Zimbabwe, later moved to Europe and are now Portuguese nationals.

Who João Franco is

João Franco is 36, according to Suggest.com. He became known to television audiences through Bravo’s “Below Deck” franchise. He first appeared on “Below Deck Mediterranean” and later joined “Below Deck Down Under.” Suggest.com also reported that he appeared on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”

What happens next

The investigation is continuing, and the brothers remain in custody. The charges, any court dates and the outcome of the inquiry into how the teenager was injured have not been disclosed.

Earlier on Around Prague: Below Deck Captain Joao Franco Arrested in Turkey After Teen, 17, Dies

Around Prague, based on reporting by www.suggest.com, Fox News, Starcasm

Cover photo: Gargarapalvin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0, cropped

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