Man Jailed for Killing Ex-Daughter-in-Law Dies by Suicide
ZONGULDAK – In a tragic turn of events, Hüseyin Derin, a 71-year-old man incarcerated in Karabük T Type closed penal Institution for fatally shooting his ex-daughter-in-law, Gönül Karakök, has died by suicide. The incident underscores the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and the fragility of life.
The initial shooting occurred on January 18th in the Çaycuma district of Kızılbel village. Derin and Karakök, who had been residing together despite the divorce of her and Derin’s son, entered an argument over a phone call. The argument escalated, leading Derin to use a shotgun to shoot Karakök twice. Karakök was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Following the shooting, Derin fled and was later apprehended. before surrendering to gendarmes, he visited a barber, after which he said he had shot his daughter-in-law and wanted to surrender. this shocking detail reveals the emotional turmoil and suddenness involved in the events.
Karakök, a mother of three, was reportedly divorced from her deceased father to receive his salary, yet she continued to stay with her ex-husband’s family. While Derin was in custody, an investigation was launched into his suicide.
Did the prosecution present evidence of premeditation during Allen’s trial for the murder of Sarah Jenkins?
Table of Contents
- 1. Did the prosecution present evidence of premeditation during Allen’s trial for the murder of Sarah Jenkins?
- 2. Ex-Bride’s Murderer Ends Own Life in Prison After Horrific Act
- 3. The Case: A Timeline of Events
- 4. Details of the Crime & Initial Investigation
- 5. Allen’s Mental State & Legal Defense
- 6. Prison Conditions & Suicide Prevention
- 7. The impact on Sarah Jenkins’ Family
Ex-Bride’s Murderer Ends Own Life in Prison After Horrific Act
The Case: A Timeline of Events
On November 28th, 2025, authorities confirmed the death of mark Allen, 38, while in custody at the State Penitentiary. Allen was serving a life sentence without parole for the brutal murder of his ex-fiancée, Sarah Jenkins, 32, which occurred on July 15th, 2024. The manner of death has been officially ruled a suicide by hanging. This tragic development brings a final, albeit somber, chapter to a case that captivated and horrified the nation.
* july 15th, 2024: Sarah Jenkins found murdered in her apartment. Initial reports indicated a violent struggle.
* July 16th, 2024: Mark Allen identified as a person of interest. A nationwide manhunt commenced.
* July 18th,2024: Allen apprehended in Nevada after a high-speed chase. He offered no immediate explanation for his actions.
* August – November 2024: Allen underwent psychiatric evaluation. Legal proceedings began, culminating in a guilty verdict in October 2025.
* November 28th, 2025: Allen found deceased in his cell.
Details of the Crime & Initial Investigation
The murder of Sarah Jenkins was notably disturbing due to its level of violence. Police reports detailed multiple stab wounds and evidence of prolonged assault. The initial investigation focused heavily on Allen, fueled by a history of controlling behavior and documented arguments leading up to the couple’s breakup six months prior to the incident.
Key evidence included:
* witness Testimony: Neighbors reported hearing a loud argument emanating from Jenkins’ apartment on the night of the murder.
* Forensic Evidence: Allen’s DNA was found at the crime scene, and a knife matching those missing from Allen’s kitchen was recovered near Jenkins’ body.
* Digital Footprint: Cell phone records placed Allen in the vicinity of jenkins’ apartment on the night of the murder. Social media activity also revealed escalating tensions between the two.
The case quickly became a focal point for domestic violence awareness groups, highlighting the dangers of escalating conflict in broken relationships. Terms like “domestic homicide,” “relationship violence,” and “femicide” saw a significant spike in online searches following the incident.
Allen’s Mental State & Legal Defense
Throughout the legal proceedings, Allen’s defense team attempted to portray him as suffering from a severe mental health crisis at the time of the murder. They argued for a diminished capacity defense, claiming he was unable to fully comprehend the consequences of his actions. However, multiple psychiatric evaluations deemed him competent to stand trial, and the jury ultimately rejected the diminished capacity argument.
The defense presented evidence of:
- A history of depression and anxiety.
- Recent job loss and financial strain.
- Alleged substance abuse issues.
Despite these factors, the prosecution successfully argued that Allen’s actions were premeditated and driven by rage and a desire for control. The jury’s verdict reflected the overwhelming evidence presented against him. The legal battle involved extensive discussion of “criminal responsibility,” “intent,” and “premeditation” – key concepts in homicide law.
Prison Conditions & Suicide Prevention
Allen was housed in a single cell under constant observation following his conviction. Despite these precautions, he managed to fashion a makeshift noose from bedding materials. the incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of suicide prevention measures within the state’s prison system.
Current protocols include:
* Regular Psychological Evaluations: Inmates are screened for mental health issues upon intake and periodically throughout their incarceration.
* Cell checks: Correctional officers are required to conduct regular checks of inmates’ cells.
* Crisis Hotlines: Access to confidential crisis hotlines is provided to inmates.
* Training for Correctional Officers: Officers receive training in recognizing signs of suicidal ideation.
Though, critics argue that these measures are frequently enough insufficient, particularly in overcrowded prisons with limited resources. The term “prison suicide” is increasingly prevalent in discussions about correctional system reform. Investigations are underway to determine if any systemic failures contributed to Allen’s death.
The impact on Sarah Jenkins’ Family
The news of Allen’s death has been met with a mixture of relief and continued grief by Sarah Jenkins’ family. While they acknowledge that his death does not bring sarah back, they express a sense of closure knowing he will no longer pose a threat to others.
A statement released by the family reads: “While we are relieved that Mark Allen can no longer inflict pain on anyone else, nothing can ever fill the void left by Sarah’s senseless murder. We continue to advocate for
