Marsa murder suspect released on bail, compilation of evidence to continue

Murder suspect Deniro Magri was granted bail today while the compilation of evidence in the killing of 25-year-old Sylvester Farrugia continues. 

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja has deemed there to be sufficient proof for Magri to stand trial, but that the gathering of evidence must continue. 

An emotional Magri wept today as he heard the news that he was to be released on bail.

Bail was granted against a €20,000 deposit and personal guarantee of €30,000, as well as a number of other conditions. Magri must also sign the bail book at Ħamrun police station every day and deposit all personal documents in court. 

He has also been forbidden from approaching any witnesses in the case and told he cannot go to Żurrieq, where the victim's mother lives.

Sylvester Farrugia was gunned down in Marsa last month. Footage of the crime scene showed the man lying in a pool of blood outside a car with two smashed windows, indicating that the shots were fired at the car.

Magri, 27 of Marsa, was identified as the alleged killer but has pleaded self-defence to charges of murder, claiming to have opened fire on unknown persons, after he disrupted an attempt to set his front door on fire.

Farrugia is thought to be one of the arsonists, police having found in his garage evidence linking him to the rags soaked with an accelerant which had been placed against Magri’s door.

Inspector Keith Arnaud is prosecuting. Lawyers Giannella Demarco and Franco Debono are defence counsel. Lawyer Jason Azzopardi is appearing in parte civile for the victim’s family.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja presided.