Police holding man over Monday’s Ħal Far murder

The police are holding a Maltese man in his 30s in connection with the murder of Ronald Galea, who was shot outside his meat factory in Ħal Far on Monday. The man, who the police said was “assisting investigations”, works in a field similar to that of the victim, Assistant Police Commissioner Pierre Calleja said during a press conference yesterday. He did not reply when asked whether the man was cooperating with the investigation but said that tests to determine whether he had gunshot residue on him were being carried out. Mr Galea, 65, from Birkirkara, was shot outside Continental Meat Company – the Ħal Far meat factory he owned – as he was closing shop on Monday at about 4.45pm. Superintendent Silvio Valletta said the autopsy showed Mr Galea died from gunshot wounds, including to the heart and lungs, after being shot at close range. Although eight shots were fired, not all hit the victim. Mr Calleja said that an eyewitness saw the killing from close by and described the shooter as a man in his early 30s of medium stature wearing some form of hat, although it was not clear whether his face was covered. He drove off in a silver Toyota Vitz. The police were yesterday still in the...