Map shows Mosta crucifixions concentrated in one area

Forensic psychologist says perpetrators generally live or frequent the area in order to avoid attracting unneeded attention.

The Mosta animal crucifixions, with the exception of one, have focused on the central area of the locality, a map published by Sunday newspaper Illum reveals.

In particular, the first five cases are at a walking distance from each other and appear to revolve around Franġisku Buhagiar, an 83-year-old who has long been associated with the first crucifixion.

The first crucifixion was found on the door of a residence he owned, the same residence in Triq il-Kbira where he killed his 76-year-old sister Maria on 16 February 1999. The second crucifixion was discovered two streets down, while the third one was found near Buhagiar's second residence in Triq San Anton Abbati.

Triq Bascal Buhagiar, where the fourth crucifixion was found, is parallel to Triq il-Kbira. The fifth crucifixion was merely metres away from the same residence in Triq il-Kbira.

The perpetrator returned to the area of Triq San Anton Abbati, next to the chapel were the fourth crucifixion took place.

Other cases spread further out away from this area, although they remain in the central area of Mosta. The only exception was the crucifixion carried out in October 2013, in Durumblat Street on Mosta's periphery.

The latest crucifixion targeted a statue at the Rotunda, whose restoration was financed by Buhagiar.

In comments to Illum, forensic psychologist Roberta Holland said the lack of information about the case made it difficult to conclude whether the perpetrator refers to Buhagiar on purpose or is simply using his case to mislead investigating officers.

"But generally, criminals execute their plans in a place they are very familiar with, either because they live there or because they frequent the place. This is crucial in order not to attract unneeded attention from locals and also to be more aware of possible detection," Holland said.

She said the fact that chosen targets were within the same area suggests the perpetrator knows the place very well, even though exceptions are never excluded.

Read more in today's edition of ILLUM.