The incident unfolded when Kitchen got into Bicer's cab at Istanbul Airport. Kitchen reportedly assaulted the 56-year-old driver so severely he left him fighting for life in Eyupsultan. Reports show that the alleged attacker attempted to bite Bicer's nose during what legal authorities in Turkey describe as a "monstrous attack."
Facing serious legal repercussions, Kitchen offered his side of the story, claiming that panic attacks contributed to his actions. He told investigators, "I didn't feel well even before I came to Turkey. I thought I was being kidnapped. That's why I attacked." Despite his claims of anxiety and perceived threats, the prosecutor remains adamant about pursuing charges for intentional aggravated assault causing bone fractures and aggravated robbery.
The case casts a spotlight on tourism safety in Turkey and mental health awareness as defenses in criminal cases abroad. While Bicer continues battling for recovery from the ordeal, the court proceedings move forward with Kitchen waiting to learn if he'll be spending most of his future behind bars.