Murdered lawyer Carmel Chircop received death threats in 2013 from a Pietà man against whom he had filed a garnishee order, the Times of Malta has learnt.

Sources said the 51-year-old lawyer, who was found dead in a multi-storey garage in Birkirkara on Thursday, had reported the incident to the police two years ago after receiving a phone call from the man, whom Dr Chircop knew.

The man had warned the lawyer that he had better “watch out”. Dr Chircop also claimed that the day after he received the call, the man was spotted in his driveway in Main Street, Birkirkara, but no words were exchanged.

The fact that Dr Chircop had received violent threats was first revealed by Assistant Police Commissioner Silvio Valletta during a crime press conference following the incident. However, he gave no further details.

Meanwhile, an autopsy yesterday concluded that Dr Chircop died from four gunshot wounds to his upper body. Forensic studies are under way to determine the type of weapon used. The police are looking into reports and footage of a small pale car driving along John Borg Street towards the car park early on Thursday morning.

Dr Chircop was a partner at Dingli & Dingli. He was also president of the Duke of Connaught’s Own Band Club. Yesterday the club described him as an exemplary person loved by all, who presided over it with great skill. The magisterial inquiry led by Marse-Ann Farrugia continued yesterday. Dr Chircop’s wife, Maria, and his 22-year-old son, Kendrick, were among those testifying.

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