An Irish businessman who allegedly slit his ex-girlfriend’s throat before being shot dead by police in Malta has now been pictured.
The man, identified by local media as Edward William Johnston, 50, has been charged with killing Nicolette Ghirxi, 48, with a knife before engaging in a three-hour standoff with police early on Monday morning in the St Julian’s area.
The stabbing victim, who is from the Mediterranean island, is believed to have made two harassment complaints against Johnston earlier this year.
She also told police she believed her ex had been in Malta several days ago, but refused to undergo a domestic violence assessment because she did not believe her safety was at risk.
Johnston, from Dublin, has been described as an “Irish man and former soldier”, although a security source confirmed he was never a member of the Irish Defence Forces.
His social media profiles show that he ran a trading company called Sambora Trading Academy and also had a YouTube channel where he offered his followers advice on how to succeed in the industry.
He said he worked for years in a middle management position in a distribution and logistics company.
Edward Johnston (pictured), from Dublin, has been described as an “Irish man and former soldier”.
Johnston, 50, has been charged with killing Nicolette Ghirxi, 48 (pictured), with a knife.
Johnston reportedly used a knife to slit Ms Ghirxi’s throat inside her apartment in the town of Birkirkara.
He is then said to have fled the scene before entering a hotel in St. Julian’s around midnight, where he proceeded to threaten employees.
When police were called, Johnston was seen walking towards the shoreline behind the hotel while holding what was now confirmed to be a replica firearm.
A three-hour standoff ensued, with negotiators attempting to persuade him to surrender peacefully. However, Johnston walked out to sea with the gun pointed at his own head.
According to Malta Today, he began shouting at police, asking them if they were prepared to die, “because I am prepared.”
Sources told the publication he was shot four times in the chest after pointing his imitation gun at officers.
During the ordeal, police forced their way into Ms Ghirxi’s apartment at around 2am, where they found her lifeless body and two knives lying beside her.
At a news conference after the confrontation with Johnston, Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa said they decided to open fire because they considered it to be a life-threatening situation.
He said the shooting took place at about 3 a.m. “in total darkness” and confirmed that Johnston died shortly after in hospital.
The area where police had a confrontation with Edward Johnston on Sunday night
Mr Gafa said that around midnight Johnston arrived at the Hilton hotel and ordered a drink, but pulled out a replica Beretta pistol when he was told the bar was closed.
The staff contacted the police and informed them that a man was carrying a gun and confessed that he had just murdered someone. “Both the staff and the police thought it was a real gun,” said the commissioner.
He added: “It was in absolute darkness and even in daylight it would have been difficult to determine if it was real until it was opened.”
Mr Gafa said the victim and the alleged perpetrator had a relationship that had broken down.
While Ms Ghirxi did not make any allegations of violence, she had made two harassment complaints against Johnston in April and May this year after he sent her a series of emails that concerned her.
However, he did not pursue the complaint any further because he did not believe he was at risk.
The senior police officer added that the victim reported defamatory posts about her on social media to the Maltese authorities in July.
And last Thursday, at around 9pm, Ms Ghirxi informed police that Johnston might be in Malta.
“The victim herself told us that she did not feel threatened and the messages we saw also indicated this,” Gafa said.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” it added. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who is from Malta, said Ghirxi “should be alive today.”
“Instead, Malta must bury another daughter,” she said on social media. “Our grief must be turned into action. Our anger must drive change. The epidemic of violence against women cannot continue.
“Not one more. I know his voice.”
Close friends of Ms Ghirxi have expressed their shock on social media.
A forensic officer is seen conducting investigations in the building where the alleged murder took place.
One person wrote: ‘Today is a day filled with sadness as we mourn the loss of a truly beautiful person.
‘Nicolette Ghirxi, you always had a radiant smile that could light up any room.
‘We shared many childhood memories together, spending summer holidays playing Monopoly at your house or mine. You were by my side when I got my first pet… Rest in peace, Nicolette. You will be greatly missed.’
A co-worker of the victim added: “I am too upset, shocked and angry to express what I really feel right now. Nicolette was my colleague – a wise, busy and competent woman.”
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