A pellet that hit an elderly man in his spine was not the only injury that caused his death but he also had a fractured skull and a lacerated brain, pathologists told a court yesterday.

Joseph Caruana, 61, was shot dead in front of his daughter and grandchildren on October 27 at his home in Kalkara.

However, according to pathologists Marie Therese Camilleri Podesta and Ali Salfraz, the gunshot was not the only fatal injury.

The victim, they said, suffered a brain haemorrhage due to a large gash in his brain.

They were testifying before Magistrate Josette Demicoli in the compilation of evidence against Gregorio Scicluna, 52, who is the former partner of Mr Caruana’s daughter, Simone.

He denies the murder of Mr Caruana, as well as the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend and their three children.

Court expert Mario Scerri said the injuries to Mr Caruana’s skull were compatible to the damage done by a shotgun.

Victim suffered a haemorrhage due to a large gash in his brain

In a previous sitting, the court had heard that Mr Caruana was hit so hard on the head with the butt of the gun that the weapon broke in two.

Mr Scicluna and Ms Caruana had three children together but their relationship hit the rocks and Ms Caruana left their shared home with the children.

During last year’s daylight attack in Kalkara, Mr Caruana was killed on the spot while his daughter and one of the children were injured when they were hit by pellets.

Kevin Schembri, a heart surgeon, told the court that he examined Ms Caruana in hospital as she had a gunshot wound that had penetrated her chest.

He said the pellet had stopped very close to her heart.

Since she was stable, and after consulting heart specialist Alex Manché, he decided not to operate on her and chose to keep her under observation instead.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Keith Arnaud is prosecuting.

Lawyer Michael Schriha is appearing for Mr Scicluna.

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