Father and son in court over Sunday night stabbing in Hamrun

A father and son have been arraigned in court over the murder of Brandon Pace, known as ‘Galalli’, which took place on Sunday night in Hamrun.

Kurt Grech, known as 'in-Nemes', and his 53-year-old father, Joseph Grech of Guardamangia, were arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Monica Vella on charges that include wilful homicide and carrying a knife in public without a police permit.

Kurt Grech is also being charged with having attempted to grievously injure Jessica Bilocca, his ex-girlfriend, who was now in a relationship with Pace. According to media reports, Grech and Bilocca have a son together and the argument between Grech and the victim centred around the little boy.

Joseph Grech is also charged with threatening the victim's sister with a knife.

Brandon Pace, 'Galalli', was killed on Sunday night

The men, who were accompanied in the courtroom by several family members, have denied responsibility for the man's death and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their lawyer, Roberto Montalto, did not contest the validity of the men's arrest.

Approaching the bench, the lawyers and prosecuting officers discussed where the accused men would be held pending trial for security.

The defence did not request bail at this stage, but reserved the right to do so after the inquiry is closed and before the end of the compilation of evidence.  

It requested that the accused be held at Mount Carmel Hospital for reasons of health and security. The prosecution did not object to this request.

The principle reason for the request was that there are two of the victim's family members currently in prison, the lawyer explained. The court upheld the request.

Pace, 21, died in his sister’s arms on Sunday night following a heated argument at the entrance of his apartment during which he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by Kurt Grech.

Kurt Grech, who fled the scene with his parents, was later apprehended by the police and taken to Mater Dei Hospital for injuries sustained during the argument.

Police Inspectors Keith Arnaud and Eliott Magro are leading the prosecution. Lawyer Noel Bianco is appearing parte civile for the victim's heirs.