L.I. Man Faces Murder Charges In Ex-Wife's Death
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (1010 WINS/ AP) -- A Long Island man was ordered held without bail on a murder charge Monday, a day after he was found unconscious inside an SUV with the body of his ex-wife in the backseat in what police believe was a botched murder-suicide.
Authorities were prompted to search for the couple after their Lindenhurst home was destroyed by a fire that had been intentionally set early Sunday, police said.
Muhammet Karadag, 50, an unemployed construction worker, was arraigned in First District Court.
Suffolk County homicide detectives believe Karadag fatally stabbed Gulcin Karadag, 49, during an argument in their home on Sunday. Police believe he set the house on fire, then drove to Sore Thumb Beach about 15 miles away. Authorities found him later that day unconscious with the woman's body, wrapped in a blanket, in the back seat.
Karadag is suspected of taking an apparent drug overdose while parked at the beach. He was treated and released from a nearby hospital.
Lt. Gerard Pelkofsky, chief of the homicide squad, said a number of gasoline cans were found at the Karadag home, indicating the fire was intentionally set. He also said there was evidence of violence inside the home, but he declined to elaborate.
Pelkofsky said Karadag told authorities he and the woman were divorced. Pelkofsky said records indicated Gulcin Karadag had never obtained an order of protection. Police had been to the house on a prior occasion, but the detective declined to discuss details. He said no arrests resulted from the call.
Karadag is due back in court on Friday.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
