Crime

Sarai Sierra Update: Trial opens for alleged killer of NYC woman in Turkey

By Iris Carreras

September 3, 2013 / 12:02 PM EDT / CBS News

In this image provided by the family, Sarai Sierra is shown in an undated family photo, in New York. Sierra has reportedly gone missing during a trip to Turkey. She last contacted her family, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, the day she was to fly from Istanbul to New York. — In this image provided by the family, Sarai Sierra is shown in an undated family photo, in New York. AP Photo/Family Photo

(CBS/AP) ANKARA, Turkey - A court has ordered that a man accused of killing a New York City woman in Istanbul be placed under observation for a mental health evaluation.

PICTURES: N.Y. mom found dead in Turkey

On the opening day of his trial on Tuesday, Zaya Tasali admitted killing Sarai Sierra but denied he had sexually assaulted her, the private Dogan news agency reported.

Sierra, a 33-year-old mother of two, was found dead on Feb. 2, days after she was reported missing while on a solo vacation in Istanbul.

Tasali's trial was adjourned until Nov. 21. Prosecutors are demanding a life sentence for Tasali on murder charges as well as 19 years in prison for sexual assault and theft.

Complete coverage of Sarai Sierra on Crimesider