Murder and Shootout in Birkirkara and St Julian's

A tragic sequence of events unfolded in the early hours of Monday, culminating in a deadly shootout in St Julian's. At approximately 2 a.m., an Irish national allegedly murdered his Maltese girlfriend in Birkirkara. Following the killing, the suspect fled the scene and took refuge behind the Hilton hotel in St Julian's.

The victim has been identified as Nicolette Ghirxi, 49 of Swatar,  Birkirkara.

Upon the arrival of the police, the suspect engaged in an altercation with officers. The man reportedly threatened the police, who returned fire, fatally wounding him. Initial reports indicate the aggressor sustained four gunshot wounds to the chest.

Sources revealed that the victim had previously filed a report against the suspect in March which was due to online harassment. The police are scheduled to hold a media briefing at the Floriana depot later today to provide further details on the incident.