Horrifying footage emerges after girl, 15, takes her own life
WARNING — DISTRESSING CONTENT: An investigation has been launched into the reported suicide of a 15-year-old schoolgirl after a video emerged of her being beaten by her friends only minutes earlier.
The group of teens, including Elif Cakal, were having a picnic at a scenic spot near an old mine near Istanbul, Turkey on June 26.
Her friends later reported to police that Elif had taken her own life for no reason.
Their claims have since been called into question after the video emerged of her being beaten minutes before she died.
Elif's body was found at the bottom of the cliff over a quarry after the friends raised the alarm.
Her four friends initially said Elif got up and approached the cliff after drinking alcohol.
They indicated that alcohol played a role, however, Hacer Cakal, who is Elif's mother, claims that her friends pushed her off the cliff and that her daughter had even recently received death threats.
Elif's father Kadir Cakal said in an interview that his daughter had a fear of heights and was definitely not someone who would commit suicide.
As part of the investigation, the statements of Elif's two girlfriends who were with her were taken, while her two male friends, who were found to have fled after the incident, were detained.
Tuana Y, Senem T, and her two unidentified male friends, were taken into custody and referred to the court with a request for arrest, before later being released under judicial control.
However, after their release, the footage, believed to have been taken by one of the two young men, was revealed.
It reportedly shows Elif being attacked for several minutes, allegedly by her two girlfriends.
Police have not yet commented on the footage. The first hearing of the case is expected to take place soon.
Newsflash/Australscope
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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