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Joao Grant Franco, a Portuguese yacht captain who appeared on the American reality television series "Below Deck" for four seasons, has been arrested in connection with the death of a 17-year-old shop worker following a fight in Bodrum, southwestern Türkiye.
Joao Grant Franco and his brother, Carlos Campbell Franco, were taken into custody after Muhammet Koyabakan suffered a fatal head injury during an altercation at a clothing store in the popular tourist destination, according to Ihlas News Agency (IHA).
Both suspects were subsequently remanded in custody by a court.
The incident took place Saturday evening on Cumhuriyet Street in Bodrum's Carsi neighborhood, where the two Portuguese nationals allegedly began using offensive language and arguing with staff at a clothing store.
The confrontation escalated into a physical fight, during which Koyabakan, who worked at the store, was reportedly punched, fell and struck his head against a staircase.
The teenager was taken to Mugla Training and Research Hospital with serious injuries but died despite medical efforts to save him.
During police questioning, Joao Grant Franco, who identified himself as a private yacht captain, denied the allegations and claimed that he and his brother had been attacked.
Carlos Campbell Franco also maintained that he had acted in self-defense, claiming his brother had not struck Koyabakan and suggesting that the teenager might have lost his balance.
He further claimed that he had tried to help Koyabakan after the fall rather than continue the confrontation. Carlos acknowledged that both brothers had consumed alcohol and said Joao had attempted to intervene by repeatedly saying "stop, stop."
The case drew further attention after it emerged that Joao Grant Franco had appeared in four seasons of "Below Deck," an American reality television franchise that began airing in July 2013.
According to IHA, Franco held several positions on the show, including senior deckhand, bosun, the crew member responsible for supervising deck operations, and second officer.
The investigation into Koyabakan's death remains ongoing.
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