Man to be charged with partner's murder

A 28-year-old man from Sliema who is today expected to be charged with killing his former partner Josette Scicluna in San Gwann on Monday night was out on bail after being accused of attempted murder earlier this month.

David Norbert Schembri was granted bail on April 5 after being charged with trying to kill Renard Mallia by hitting him with an iron bar on March 31.

Mr Schembri was granted bail against a deposit of Lm400 and a personal guarantee of Lm600.

Sources said Mr Schembri had been to sign at the Sliema police station, in line with his bail conditions, shortly before he went to San Gwann and allegedly stabbed the woman.

The 32-year-old victim lived in a flat with a young daughter whom she had from a relationship with Mr Schembri.

Ms Scicluna was found in a pool of blood at her flat in Carmen Mallia Street by relatives who rushed there when neighbours phoned them after they heard her screaming. They in turn phoned the police and called for an ambulance.

Sources said the aggressor broke his way into the flat after firing his gun five times at the lock.

A post mortem yesterday morning established she had close to 50 stab wounds, including some in the lower abdomen. Many of the wounds were superficial but one of the stab wounds, believed to be the fatal one, was a blow to the neck that punctured a major artery. A person dies within minutes of suffering such a blow, medical sources said.

The police said on Monday night it was believed that Ms Scicluna had had an argument "with her partner" shortly before she was repeatedly stabbed in front of their seven-year-old daughter and other eye witnesses.

Mr Schembri, soiled in blood, went to the Sliema police station and turned himself in after the stabbing.

When he was arraigned by Inspector Frans Micallef on April 5, Mr Schembri had also been charged with holding Mr Mallia against his will and with stealing over Lm100 from him. He had also been charged with damaging Mr Mallia's property and with relapsing.

Sources said Mr Schembri was investigated again after Mr Mallia's car was burnt but the police had not pressed any charges against him over the matter.

Investigating Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera has appointed a number of experts, including clinical forensic physician Mario Scerri, to help in the inquiry.

Investigations are being conducted by Assistant Commissioner Emanuel Cassar, CID inspector Christopher Pullicino and district Inspector Mario Tonna.