A gaunt-looking Gregorio Scicluna yesterday denied murdering his former father-in-law, trying to murder his estranged wife and two of their children aged five and three.
The small-statured Mr Scicluna, also known by his nickname, l-Artist, cut a lonely figure in the dock as he spoke in a rough and raspy voice only to confirm his particulars and to say he was unemployed.
Pietà-born Mr Scicluna denied murdering Joseph Caruana, 61, on Sunday morning at 10.30am, trying to murder his ex-wife, Maria Simone Caruana, 27, their five-year-old daughter Yasmin and three-year-old Shania.
He also denied seriously injuring Ms Caruana and Shania who are still in hospital after they were hit by gunshot pellets fired at close range.
The accused denied stealing the gun he allegedly used during the shooting at his house in Kalkara, being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, handling stolen property and relapsing.
Mr Scicluna was also accused of having stolen a gun, together with ammunition and other items, from a garage in St Augustine Street, Żabbar, on the night of April 7, 2003.
The prosecution is also alleging he was in possession of a stolen Winchester firearm and an air rifle.
Legal aid lawyer Joseph Ellis told Magistrate Marseann Farrugia he would not request bail considering the seriousness of the charges.
The shooting is believed to have been the culmination of a long string of arguments between Mr Scicluna and Ms Caruana, which also led to separation proceedings.
The shooting took place not long after Ms Caruana, accompanied by the deceased, arrived at Mr Scicluna’s house where she took the children to see their father.
It is believed Mr Caruana was waiting outside when two of the children rushed out saying their parents were having an argument.
Mr Scicluna and Ms Caruana were still living together with their children until three months ago when their relationship hit the rocks and she decided to seek refuge in a home run by the nuns.
Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino, Keith Arnaud and Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted.