Two killed in Baħrija shooting in suspected family feud

Shooting followed a suspected family feud that turned violent

Updated 10.48pm with victims' names

A 72-year-old man from Żebbuġ has been arrested by police in connection with the fatal shooting of two men in Baħrija on Tuesday evening. 

The two victims were found dead in an alleyway in the Tal-Kuncizzjoni area, limits of Rabat, after police received reports of gunshots at 5.45pm.

Police spokesperson Brandon Pisani addressing the media. Video: Chris Sant Fournier.

The victims, identified by police as a 51-year-old man from Siġġiewi and a 57-year-old man from Rabat, were discovered lifeless in the open air, to the left of the local chapel, by officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) who were first on the scene.

Times of Malta is informed the victims are 51-year-old Dennis Mifsud and Anthony Agius, 57. 

Police said one of the victims is the son of the alleged aggressor's partner, while the other victim is the husband of the suspect's partner's daughter.

The suspect was arrested at around 8.30pm. Times of Malta is informed the suspect was arrested in Mosta.

The motive behind the killings remains unknown, but police are actively investigating and speaking with family members present at the scene to piece together the events leading to the deaths.

Police spokesperson Brandon Pisani announcing the arrest of the suspected shooter. Video: Chris Sant Fournier.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud is currently leading a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

A manhunt was launched after the suspect, who is Maltese, fled the scene in the hamlet on the outskirts of Rabat.

Members of the Special Intervention Unit (SIU) at the scene. A manhunt was underway on Tuesday night. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.Members of the Special Intervention Unit (SIU) at the scene. A manhunt was underway on Tuesday night. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.

All three men are understood to be related to each other and initial indications are that the murders followed a family feud.

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