Diren Dede Murder: Where is Markus Kaarma now? Let’s find him. – Diren Dede, a 17-year-old German exchange student from Hamburg, Germany, who was staying in Missoula, Montana, was shot and killed by Markus Kaarma on April 27, 2014. Markus Kaarma was accused of murder in the death of Diren Dede, a 17-year-old Hamburger. Markus Kaarma was sentenced to 70 years in jail without the possibility of parole for the murder of Diren Dede.
‘Dateline NBC‘ has been profiling one true-crime story after another since its debut in 1992, with a particular focus on the human components to get to the heart of what happened and why. As a result, its spinoff, ‘Secrets Uncovered,’ follows suit. The shockingly cold 2014 homicide of German adolescent Diren Dede is chronicled in an episode of the docuseries aptly titled ‘Deadly Exchange.’
So, if you’re interested in learning more about the incident, including the victim’s background, the assailant’s motivations, and the real aftermath, we’ve got you covered.
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How Did Diren Dede Pass Away?
Diren Dede, who was born into a family of proud Turkish immigrants in Germany, had always wished to study in the United States of America and immerse himself in its vibrant culture. His ambition came true when he began his junior year as part of an exchange programme at Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana, but he had no idea that it would lead to his death.
The 17-year-old was a star soccer player, a bright student, and a bright light to those around him, which is only one of the reasons why his horrible murder stunned not just the United States, but also his nation.
Diren and a buddy were out for a walk on April 27, 2014, shortly after midnight, when he abruptly slipped away, only to be shot minutes later while trespassing into a home garage. A 12-gauge shotgun was fired four times at the Hamburg native, striking him in the arm as well as the head, causing severe bleeding that could not be stopped.
Consequently, despite being brought to a neighbouring hospital by ambulance after a 911 call, the teen died of his severe, multiple gunshot wounds within half an hour.
Who Killed Diren Dede and Why?
The lone person accountable for Diren’s death is then 29-year-old firefighter Markus Hendrik Kaarma, the owner of the six-bedroom Deer Canyon Court estate Diren had undeniably entered. He admitted to being the triggerman right away, which led to his fast interrogation and arrest, but the allegation against him was a premeditated homicide because of his conduct prior to the occurrence.
That’s because the firefighter had purposefully left his garage door open, with his partner’s pocketbook in plain sight, in order to lure and ultimately catch robbers – he’d even installed motion sensors and a video monitor.
Markus’ house had been broken into twice in the weeks leading up to the fatal day, so he was both nervous and angry, especially because he believed the police were dismissing his reports. Furthermore, three witnesses, including his hairstylist, testified that he told them about staying up late at night to shoot the burglars in an effort to make the neighbourhood safer.
As a result, he kept a loaded shotgun by his side, which is how he was able to shoot Diren in the garage only 23 seconds after first noticing him on the camera monitor. While Markus’ defence focused on the “Castle concept” rule, which allows a homeowner to use deadly force if they feel an intruder is attempting to harm them, the prosecutors relied solely on facts.
They said that Diren was an unarmed minor from another nation with only six weeks left on his exchange programme, so why would he risk his life by becoming a thief? However, it is thought that the kid was garage hopping that night in search of booze when he strayed into Markus’ darkened one and died as a result.
What Happened to Markus Kaarma and Where Is He Now?
Markus Hendrik Kaarma was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 70 years in state prison, with the possibility of parole after 20 years in Diren Dede murder. Following his original indictment, he was granted $30,000 bail, but District Judge Ed McLean refused to grant him further release pending sentencing and/or appeal proceedings. Markus’ official sentence was delivered on February 12, 2015, following his conviction in December 2014.
Markus has been in prison since then, with all of his subsequent appeals either being dismissed or upholding his conviction. During Markus’ sentencing in early 2015, then-Judge McLean said, “You didn’t guard your residence; you went hunting.” “And here you have a loaded 12-gauge shotgun.” Not to defend your family, but to pursue someone. You’re upset with the world, and it shows in your actions…”
“You pose too large a risk to society to be anywhere other than the Montana State Prison,” he continued. “Best of luck, son.”
“I’m sorry my actions caused the death of Mr. Dede,” the offender said in a single sentence before his sentence was read. Markus Kaarma is now in his late 30s and jailed at the Montana State Prison in Powell County.
