[WATCH] Pace murder ‘part of a series’, man gunned down with military assault rifle

Fgura murder used modus operandi of previous killings • Video by Ray Attard

Jonathan Pace was shot in Fgura by at least 20 rounds fired from a military-style assault rifle, five of which were fatal, assistant police commissioner Pierre Calleja said.

Addressing a crime conference this afternoon at the police headquarters in Floriana, the assistant police commissioner explained that the “modus operandi” of last night’s shooting resembled the shooting of Joseph Galea ‘Il-Gilda’ in Triq ix-Xemxija, Marsa, earlier this year.

“The murder cannot be a stand-alone killing, but part of a series of murders. The modus operandi of the murders are very similar: The same type of weapon, car, and method of the killing is the same. We are examining any connections,” he said.

Calleja also explained that the murderer fired between 15 and 20 rounds, and Pace was hit by at least five bullets in his chest and abdomen. The gun has yet to be found.

“The autopsy has resulted that the cause of death was due to several shots fired to the victim’s chest and lower body. The calibre of the gun is compatible with an assault rifle, and from initial tests, the gun was capable of firing rapid fire.”

“The murder was a drive-by shooting from an SUV. From the calibre it has been deduced that the weapon was an assault rifle. The weapon is a military weapon capable of firing rapid fire,” the police said, not ruling out suggestions that the murderer might have been “contracted”.

“There was a certain element of preparation and professionalism. As yet, the police cannot rule out whether the murder was carried out by a foreigner, or whether it was carried out by a person who knew or had anything to do with the victim,” he said.

Moreover, the police said that given the hot weather last night, it was probable that people could have been outside their balcony and would have witnessed the murder.

He also insisted that there is no cause for alarm, but reiterated his appeal to any witnesses to contact the police with further information.

Asked whether it was a coincidence that the victim was in his balcony, the police said that it was usual for the victim to go out in his balcony, claiming that it was not a “one-off instance.”

The assistant police commissioner also argued that Pace had been living in the Fgura apartment since he was released on bail on August 8 after being charged with the attempted murder of Vince Muscat 'il-Kohhu' who was shot outside his Msida home on April 8. Muscat suffered bullets to his head and hand, and during court proceedings, asked Pace "Why did you this to me?" Moreover, he had that he recognised Pace as his shooter, after the latter allegedly got out of the car and shot at him.

Asked whether the police is interrogating Muscat, or anyone else related to previous murders, the police argued that investigations are at initial stage, and consequently, argued that no details of the investigation would be divulged.

Inspector Chris Pullicino, from the Homicide Squad, explained that at around 9:15pm, the police were informed of the shooting in Triq Mahatma Gandhi, Fgura.

“District officials and RIU officers subsequently discovered that a person was shot by several bullets. A lot of bullets were fired in succession, pertinent to an automatic gun. The victim, 31-year-old Jonathan Pace died shortly afterwards in hospital.

“Police are currently talking to several people and sources, but so far, nothing new has emerged that the shots were fired from a car before escaping,” Pullicino said while explaining that the getaway car is yet to be found.

The news conference was also attended by assistant police commissioner Norbert Ciappara, as well as Police inspector Keith Arnaud.