Ta’ Giorni murder: Togolese partner is charged with killing Caroline Magri

The man suspected of murdering Caroline Magri has pleaded not guilty to charges of wilful homicide.

A court has remanded 33-year-old Togolese national Djibril Ganio in custody after he was arraigned before it charged with murder.

In an after-hours arraignment before magistrate Gabriella Vella late this afternoon, Inspector Keith Arnaud charged Djibril Ganiou with the horrific murder of his Maltese partner Caroline Magri. The body of Magri, 41, a mother of eight, was found on Friday in an apartment in Ta’ Giorni. An autopsy confirmed that she had died as a result of multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest.

Inspector Keith Arnaud said the accused had been arrested shortly after the murder, as he was the prime suspect, but police investigations had to be suspended temporarily to allow him to be treated in Mount Carmel hospita. He was released into police custody at around 11:30 this morning, for questioning, sources say. 

Caroline Magri with one of her eight children

Ganiou, a tile-layer, stood with arms crossed in the dock, nervously tapping his feet as he pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

Ganiou, who lives in Sliema, was also accused of carrying a knife without police permission. 

Ganiou's Lawyer Giannella De Marco entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. No request for bail was made. He was remanded in custody. 

Police on the scene in Ta' Giorni on Friday