Former Partner Found Dead After Stand-Off

An Irishman, Edward Johnston, was shot dead by police in Malta after he pointed a replica gun at officers during a tense stand-off. The incident unfolded following the alleged murder of his former partner, Nicolette Ghirxi, whose body was discovered in her apartment in Birkirkara early Monday morning. Ghirxi had suffered fatal knife wounds, with a knife found near her body, prompting a swift police response. Johnston was located in the seaside village of St Julian's, where he threatened hotel staff with the replica firearm. Police Commissioner Angela Gafa reported that a three-hour standoff ensued, during which Johnston admitted to murdering Ghirxi. He eventually moved away from the hotel, entered the sea, and later climbed onto rocks, where he pointed the replica gun at his own head and then at the police, declaring, “Are you ready? Because I am.” Faced with a direct threat, officers made the decision to shoot Johnston, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The entire confrontation was recorded on police body cameras, which are now part of the ongoing investigation into the incident that has sent shockwaves through the Maltese community. The replica firearm, identified as a Beretta pistol, has raised questions about the events leading to the tragic outcome.