Killer denies ‘brutal execution’ of radio DJ whose naked body was found buried in Essex woods

A suspected killer has denied the “brutal execution” of a radio DJ found buried in Essex Forest last year.

Ali Kavak, 25, denied the murder of Koray Alpergin, 43, whose burned and naked body was discovered on October 15 near the Oakwood Hill industrial estate in Loughton, Essex.

Mr Alpergin was the owner of Turkish radio station Bizim FM and had connections to celebrities such as rapper P Diddy and Turkish restaurant and internet sensation Salt Bae.

The alleged killer appeared at the Old Bailey today via video link alongside Steffan Gordon, 33, who was charged with the murder in December and will make pleadings at a later date.

Koray Alpergin’s (pictured) “burned and injured” body was found in woodland near the Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate in Loughton, Essex on October 15, 2022

Members of Mr Alpergin’s family sobbed as Kavak denied the crimes, which include kidnapping and falsely detaining Mr Alpergin and his friend Gozde Daibudak.

Junior Kettle, 31, did not show up today but also faces charges of murder.

Erdogan Ulcay, 55, and another 17-year-old man are accused of perverting legal process by helping dispose of Mr Alpergin’s body.

Prosecutor Peter Ratcliffe said: “This case involved the detention, brutal torture and execution of Koray Alpergin.”

Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn previously said: “On October 13, Mr Alpergin, the deceased, and his friend Gozde Dalbudak returned to Mr Alpergin’s home address in Enfield.

“They were attacked by people wearing white masks and bundled into a van and taken to a location and held against their will.

Police believe Mr Alpergin, who owned London radio station Bizim FM, was forced into a white van with a 33-year-old woman outside their home in Enfield

Mr Alpergin was found near the Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate in Loughton, Essex at 11.55am on Saturday 15 October 2022 and was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Police vehicles at the crime scene on Oakwood Hill

“Mr Alpergin was badly beaten and murdered. On Saturday October 15, two days later, Mr Alpergin’s body was found by members of the public in a wooded area in Loughton, Essex.

“The body was naked and had burns, bruises and lacerations. A preliminary report was strangulation, blunt force trauma and damage to internal organs and ribs.’

A six-week trial date is scheduled for September 18, 2023.

A GoFundMe page started by Mr Alpergin’s family and friends said: “Koray was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A much loved member of his family, a special friend to all and a huge member of the community with the biggest heart.

Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn previously told the court that Mr Alpergin and his friend Gozde Dalbudak were on their way back to the former’s home in Enfield when the alleged incident took place

Junior Kettle, 31, is the fourth person charged with the murder of Koray Alpergin, 43

“Koray always thought of everyone, he was kind and caring and always supportive of those around him. He was such a light in the community, loved by his family, valued by his friends and living his life to the fullest.’

Kavak, of De Quincey Road, Tottenham, denies the kidnapping and false imprisonment of Mr Alpergin and Ms Daibudak, and the murder of Mr Alpergin. He also faces perversion of justice charges and will file a plea deal at a later date.

Kettle, of Kingsdown Road, Islington, is charged with the murder of Mr Alpergin and the kidnapping and wrongful detention of Mr Alpergin and Ms Daibudak.

Gordon, of Dehavilland Close, Northolt, is charged with the murder of Mr Alpergin.

Ulcay, of Oakeshott Avenue, Camden, and a 17-year-old are accused of perverting the course of justice.

They will next appear in court on March 8th.