João Franco Arrested in Turkey
Former Below Deck star João Franco and his brother, Karlos Franco, are currently imprisoned in Turkey following a street brawl in Bodrum that left a 17-year-old store employee dead, Page Six reported.
The altercation began on a Saturday night in the Muğla district when the brothers became involved in a verbal dispute with clothing store employees. Local outlets Voices Newspaper and Haberler.com reported that the siblings used profanity, which escalated the disagreement into physical violence outside the shop.
CCTV footage obtained exclusively by Page Six appears to show Karlos Franco throwing the first punch during the clash. João Franco, 36, initially stepped in to separate his brother from the worker in an apparent attempt to defuse the confrontation.
The situation intensified when other employees emerged from the store, leading to a general scuffle involving punches, kicks, and a tossed stool. According to local reports, João Franco ultimately swung his fist, striking the 17-year-old staffer who then fell backward and hit his head on concrete steps.
Hospitalization and Arrest in Bodrum
The injured teenager suffered a severe head injury and went into cardiac arrest at the scene. Emergency medical responders revived the victim before transporting him in critical condition to Muğla Training and Research Hospital.
Haberler.com reported that the teenager succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Following the incident, João and Karlos Franco were taken to Bodrum Courthouse and placed in custody.
“Awaiting the next steps,” a source told Page Six regarding the current legal status of the brothers.
Representatives for the municipal police in Bodrum, the local prison, and the courthouse did not respond to inquiries regarding the ongoing investigation. Bravo also declined to comment on the arrest of the former reality television personality, who appeared on several seasons of Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Down Under.
Bodrum Incident Questions
What caused the initial argument between the brothers and the store employees?
Local reports from Voices Newspaper and Haberler.com indicate that the dispute began as a verbal argument sparked by the siblings using profanity inside the Bodrum clothing store on Saturday night.
What are the current legal charges against João and Karlos Franco?
While the brothers were taken to Bodrum Courthouse and placed in prison, specific formal charges have not been detailed by local authorities, and representatives for the Bodrum prison and courthouse have not responded to media inquiries.
Which television networks featured João Franco prior to his arrest?
João Franco gained recognition starring on multiple seasons of Bravo’s reality series Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Down Under.
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