No exit wound found in victim’s body

The court yesterday heard that no exit wound was found on Sylvester Farrugia’s body, in relation to the bullet which was allegedly fired in the direction of the two men attempting to start an arson attack on a residence in Marsa.

The bullet which allegedly caused Mr Farrugia’s death in Simpson Street, Marsa, was removed later on during the autopsy, the court heard. This information was presented as part of the compilation of evidence against Deniro Magri, who was accused of murdering Mr Farrugia last February.

The murder had been connected to a foiled arson attempt which had occurred on the same night a few metres away in St Paul’s Street. Deniro Magri, who owns that residence, was arrested and charged with the murder, however he is pleading not guilty.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja was yesterday presented with the results of a medical inquiry on Mr Farrugia. The report was put together by Dr Mario Scerri, who told the court that he had examined the victim’s body the morning it was found on 12 September. Dr Scerri said how no exit wound was found, and the bullet was actually retrieved during the autopsy, to be given to the forensic team.

The court also heard testimony by a CID officer who had conducted a search within Mr Magri’s home. The officer and his colleague, led by Mr Magri around the residence, were shown to the kitchen on the second-floor, where a mattress was lying on the floor. Mr Magri had allegedly been lying on it the night of the incident. The CID officer said that it looked like it had been used since it was covered with a sheet and pillow.

Lying on the mattress was a PlayStation controller which had said to have been dropped by the accused after he saw two figures approach the door to his house on his CCTV screen.

The accused said that on the night of the incident, he grabbed the weapon and fired from the window on the second-floor at the suspected arsonists.

Dr Scerri explained the scene of the room throughout the search, including the drawer where the weapon was kept.

Inspector Keith Arnaud prosecuted. Lawyers Giannella de Marco, Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.