Irish Man Shot Dead by Maltese Police Following Woman’s Murder in St Julian’s Stand-Off
An Irish man was fatally shot by Maltese police after a tense three-hour in St Julian’s stand-off, Malta, following the murder of a woman.
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Edward William Johnston, a 50-year-old Irish resident of Malta, was shot by police on Friday after being involved in a stand-off in the seaside village of St Julian’s. Johnston had been identified as the former partner of Nicolette Ghirxi, a 48-year-old woman found murdered in her Birkirkara apartment, about 6 kilometres away.
Johnston was shot deadin St Julian’s stand-off after threatening hotel staff
Johnston was not there when the police arrived at the apartment building at around two in the morning. He was later located in St Julian’s, where he was reportedly armed with a replica gun and had threatened hotel staff. A three-hour stand-off ensued, during which the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) officers tried to negotiate with Johnston to surrender.
Despite multiple requests to drop the weapon, Johnston allegedly charged at the officers and was shot dead. He received immediate medical aid but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Johnston and Ghirxi’s causes of death will be ascertained via autopsies. The Irish Embassy in Malta is providing consular assistance to Johnston’s family.
