A man accused of shooting dead his business partner in 2008 has died following a long illness, sources said.

Despite seven years having elapsed since the shooting, the accused was still out on bail and justice was never served. He died yesterday.

Martin Scicluna, 43, of Siġġiewi had died on the spot on September 17 after allegedly being shot twice in the head with a shotgun following an argument with business partner Dione Mercieca.

Mr Scicluna, a father of two, was shot in the face in the presence of employees.

Soon after the shooting, Mr Mercieca gave himself up to the police at the law courts in Valletta.

According to witness Norbert Pace, who passed away in 2011, Mr Scicluna was suspecting that Mercieca was dabbling with company money, an accusation that the victim also levelled against Scicluna.

The alleged shooter was given bail three months after the incident.