Updated | Police found blood-stained diary, used pregnancy test in Lisa Marie Zahra's bedroom

A blood-stained diary and a used pregnancy test were one of the items discovered in the room of 15-year-old Lisa Marie Zahra during a search by police officials, a court heard today.

Taking the witness stand, police constable Patrick Farrugia told the court that during the search he had uncovered a diary which had several pages with blood traces.

Farrugia was summoned this morning to testify in the compilation of evidence against Erin Tanti, the 23-year-old supply teacher who is pleading not guilty to the murder and to assisting in the suicide of his 15-year-old pupil Lisa Marie Zahra.

On 18-19 March, Tanti is said to have picked Zahra from her house before driving to Dingli Cliffs. Allegedly, the two then drank half a bottle of whiskey, swallowed aspirin and jumped before being discovered in a ledge beneath Dingli Cliffs.

Zahra – identified as the daughter of businessman Anthony Zahra – died in the fall, while Tanti was injured.

Taking the witness stand, Police Constable Patrick Farrugia explained that on March 19, he was tasked with searching Zahra’s bedroom at her father’s home to search for items for DNA sampling. Inside he found a diary, which amongst others “had several pages with blood traces.”

Farrugia also explained that he found a used pregnancy test on Zahra’s bed, a box containing cigarettes, rolling papers, and what he says was “dry, green grass.” Underwear, socks, and bed linen found in Zahra’s bedroom were also taken for further analysis.

Cross examined by defence lawyer Lucio Sciriha, Farrugia told the court that he did not notice a teddy bear inside Zahra’s room – a teddy bear which during previous sittings was revealed to have contained “several blades inside,” and which was not seized by police.

Farrugia insisted that he did not notice the teddy bear, but did not exclude it being there, arguing that there “were many typical items one would expect to find in a girl’s bedroom.”

Moreover, Farrugia rebutted suggestions that he was instructed to seize “certain” belongings, arguing that his sole task was to search for any items related to a forensic examination that can be used for DNA sampling.

Flanked by his father, a subdued Erin Tanti stood sheepishly in the dock, listening to the several witnesses summoned by the prosecution.

11:20 This live-blog has ended. Daniel Mizzi

11:18 The sitting has been suspended for the 25 September. Daniel Mizzi

11:15 Inspector Arnaud informs the court that no more witnesses will be summoned by the prosecution. Daniel Mizzi

11:15 Cross-examined, Farrugia insists that he was not ordered to examine anything, and says that in his 20 years of experience, he "always analysed things that were relevant to the investigation". Daniel Mizzi

11:14 Farrugia says he was instructed to retrieve the evidence by Inspector Josric Mifsud. Daniel Mizzi

11:13 Farrugia says he did not see the teddy bear, claiming that his only job was to search for items related to a forensic examination. Daniel Mizzi

11:13 Cross-examined by Michael Sciriha, Farrugia is asked whether he had found a teddy bear - which in previous sittings was revealed to have also contained several blades. Daniel Mizzi

11:12 On 24 March, Farrugia returned to the bedroom where he found several bedsheets. Inside a plastic container, he found underwear and a pair of pink socks. He presents photos of his findings to the court. Daniel Mizzi

11:11 Additionally, he found a box containing cigarettes, rolling papers, and what he says was 'dry, green grass'. Daniel Mizzi

11:11 He says he also found a pregnancy test on Zahra's bed. Daniel Mizzi

11:10 PC Patrick Farrugia explains that he was tasked with examining Zahra's bedroom. Inside he found a diary which he says had several pages with blood traces. Daniel Mizzi

11:02 Police Sergeant Emanuel Dalli, now taking the stand, says that on 19 March, he was asked to take photos of the Zahra residence, copies of which he now presents to the court. Daniel Mizzi

11:02 Spiteri says the footage is raw and unedited, and taken from the recording of the cameras placed on rescuers' helmets. Daniel Mizzi

11:00 Next on the witness stand is Armed Forces official Col. Claudio Spiteri, who presents the court a copy of the footage of the rescue mission. Daniel Mizzi

10:59 Portelli says a second person - 'a lifeless body' - was also hoisted up. Daniel Mizzi

10:57 "There we found out that a person had jumped off the cliffs. A helicopter was already on site." Asked to identify this person, Portelli describes the person as a 'male with a light stubble'. Asked to point out this person in the courtroom, he fails to identify Tanti. Daniel Mizzi

10:56 Another witness, now, Silvano Portelli, also from the CPD, describes the events of 19 March, when officers were called in over a report that "a person had jumped off Dingli Cliffs". Daniel Mizzi

10:56 Camilleri says nobody else was in the apartment. Daniel Mizzi

10:55 Camilleri says the CPD entered the house through the balcony, and that he went in and opened the door for investigating police officers to enter the apartment. Daniel Mizzi

10:51 Psaila did not personally enter the apartment. Next on the witness stand is CPD assistance and rescue officer Stephen Camilleri. Daniel Mizzi

10:51 Psaila, a fire-fighter, is describing the way the CPD entered into the apartment being rented by Erin Tanti in Valletta, which was shut the day police were told Tanti and Zahra were missing. Daniel Mizzi

10:48 Next on the witness stand is Emmanuel Psaila, from the Civil Protection Department. Daniel Mizzi

10:48 Scerri Ferrante says she has analysed the documents where Zahra's handwriting, as identified by her father, was imprinted upon. She also analysed a letter written by Zahra. Daniel Mizzi

10:47 Scerri Ferrante has presented an analysis of documents allegedly exchanged between Tanti and Zahra. She also presents a diary. Daniel Mizzi

10:46 Court expert Juliana Scerri Ferrante, a lawyer and forensic consultant, takes the stand. Daniel Mizzi

10:44 Witnesses have been told by Magistrate Demicoli to wait outside the courtroom. Daniel Mizzi

10:44 Magistrate Audrey Demicoli enters the courtroom. Lawyer appearing in parte civile for the Zahra family - Stephen Tonna Lowell - is now also in the courtroom. Daniel Mizzi

10:44 Magistrate Audrey Demicoli enters the courtroom. Lawyer appearing in parte civile for the Zahra family - Stephen Tonna Lowell - is now also in the courtroom. Daniel Mizzi

10:43 Inspector Keith Arnaud will be leading the prosecution. Daniel Mizzi

10:43 More relatives from the Zahra family have been slowly entering the courtroom. Daniel Mizzi

10:33 Tanti has now entered the courtroom, flanked by his father and two police officers. Daniel Mizzi

10:32 Defence lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha are in the courtroom, while Lisa Maria Zahra's father Tony Zahra, and other relatives have also entered the courtroom. Daniel Mizzi

10:30 Good morning - welcome the continuation of this live blog for the compilation of evidence against Erin Tanti. Matthew Vella

On her part, lawyer and forensic consultant Juliana Scerri Ferrante, told the court that she analysed a diary – which after corroborating with Zahra’s father, Tony, was identified as containing the 15-year-old girl’s handwriting.

Presenting a report of her findings, Scerri Ferrante also told the court that she analysed documents which were allegedly exchanged between Tanti and Zahra.

Taking the witness stand, Silvano Portelli, an official from the Civil Protection Department, explained that on 19 March, the CPD were called in to assist in an a resuce mission in Dingli Cliffs.

“We received a report that a person had jumped off Dingli Cliffs. Upon arriving, a helicopter was already on site. A man with a light stubble was hoisted, while moments later, a lifeless female body was also hoisted,” he said.

Asked to identify Erin Tanti as the “man with the light stubble,” Portelli failed to do so.

The court also saw AFM Colonel Claudio Spiteri exhibit copies of “raw, unedited footage,” of the rescue operation.

In previous sittings, Tanti was placed under a bill of indictment, after Magistrate Audrey Demicoli ruled that there is enough prima facie evidence against the accused. The 22-year-old is pleading not guilty to the murder and assisting in the suicide of Lisa Marie Zahra.

He is also charged with defilement of a minor, corruption of a minor, abuse of a position of trust, misuse of technology, and possession of indecent material involving minors.

The case is adjourned for the 25th of September.

Lawyers Joe Giglio, Giannella de Marco, Stephen Tonna Lowell and Reuben Farrugia are appearing in parte civile for the Zahra family. Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha are appearing for Erin Tanti.


Inspectors Keith Arnaud, Josric Mifsud and Sylvana Briffa are prosecuting.