Serhat Gumrukcu, a 42-year-old resident of Los Angeles, California, has been convicted of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. These charges stem from the murder of Gregory Davis. A federal jury delivered this verdict after a five-week trial, conducted under Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss in Vermont.
The prosecution presented evidence indicating that Gumrukcu solicited the murder due to disputes over a failed oil commodities transaction and its subsequent legal threats. Davis's murder was linked to Gumrukcu's involvement in a multi-million-dollar biotech merger concerning a purported HIV cure. Gumrukcu allegedly used his associate, Berk Eratay, to hire a hitman through Aaron Ethridge, who recruited Jerry Banks for the task. Posing as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, Banks abducted Davis from his Vermont home on January 6, 2018, and Davis was found deceased the next day near his home. Investigators uncovered various forms of documentation revealing Gumrukcu's involvement, ultimately leading to the apprehension of the conspirators.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commented on the outcome, citing years of investigative effort by Vermont's United States Attorney's Office, the FBI, and the Vermont State Police. He acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Zachary Stendig and the courtroom support team for their roles in the conviction. Drescher also recognized law enforcement across the nation for identifying the individuals involved in Davis's murder.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, "Serhat Gumrukcu is a ruthless criminal whose greed drove him to order the death of his own business partner." He expressed pride in bringing justice to Davis's family and gratitude to colleagues who assisted in the investigation.
Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, thanked the jury for their verdict and highlighted the dedication of an expansive investigative effort over more than seven years. He hopes the verdict provides comfort to Davis's family.
Gumrukcu's conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The trial saw representation from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Van de Graaf and Zachary Stendig for the government, and Susan K. Marcus, Esq., and Ethan A. Balogh, Esq., for Gumrukcu. Gumrukcu, held since May 2022, awaits sentencing.
