Second suspect released

The man arrested on suspicion of commissioning the murder in 1988 of Baron Francis Sant Cassia was released yesterday after been detained for 48 hours, police sources said.

Forty-eight hours is the maximum period after which police must either charge or release a suspect.

A 51-year-old man from Mosta, Carmelo Camilleri, was charged on Saturday with the murder of the Baron, who was killed by a single gunshot outside his residence, Kastell Zamitello, on the outskirts of Mgarr.

It is understood that the Baron's killer had received a substantial sum of money for the murder from a second man. Police said yesterday that investigations are continuing.

Then 68, the Baron was shot in the back at close range as he was trying to get into his car. At the time it was believed that he had been lured outside his home by the murderer during a phone call.

The police said in court on Saturday that they had arrested Mr Camilleri after receiving information on his involvement in the murder in September, 2004.

They said that after an initial denial, last Thursday he admitted shooting the Baron. His description of how the murder took place matched the evidence found on the crime scene.

The defendant's counsel, Anglu Farrugia and Edward Gatt, requested a psychiatric assessment of the accused.

The prosecution did not oppose the request and the court appointed Joseph Spiteri to carry out the examination.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti turned down a request for bail and remanded the man in custody.