The accused in the murder of Matthew Zahra, who went missing a year ago, has confessed to the murder, a court heard today.
Testifying in the compilation of evidence against Ronald Urry and Jason Galea who stand charged with murdering Mr Zahra, 27, of Valletta, Police Inspector Chris Pullicino said Mr Zahra was reported missing on August 15.
Body parts likely to belong to Mr Zahra were found following the double murder of Mario Camilleri l-Imniehra and his son, also Mario, a few days ago. The body parts were found in the same spot where the Camilleris were found.
Insp. Pullicino said Mr Galea confessed to the murder and his involvement in it and gave a very detailed explanation of the plan to kill him.
The inspector exhibited three DVD recordings of the police interrogation of Mr Galea. Mr Urry, he said, also admitted his involvement in the case.
During cross examination, Insp. Pullicino said that investigations were still underway. He said that the argument between Mr Galea and Mr Zahra was over money the latter had lent Mr Galea.
It was months after Mr Zahra had approached him asking for his money back and adding phenomenal amounts of interest that Mr Galea decided to kill him.
Insp. Pullicino said that Mr Zahra had lent Mr Galea €6,000 but wanted €500,000.
The inspector said Mr Galea told him he could not keep up with payments as he had fallen into financial difficulties and had problems paying his employees.
There were no receipts but Mr Galea did mention that Mr Zahra had bought a garage from him and forced him to sign payments on this garage.
Garage owner Gaetano Fenech, however, denied ever speaking to Mr Galea.
Insp. Pullicino said Mr Zahra began falling behind on payments for this garage and there was an agreement for Mr Fenech to take it back.
Lawyer Stefano Filletti is appearing for Mr Zahra’s family while l awyer Joe Giglio for Mr Galea and legal procurator Mario Mifsud Bonnici for Mr Urry.
Besides Insp. Pullicino, Insp. Michael Mallia, Insp. Fabian Fleri and Insp. Louise Calleja were also prosecuting.
Mr Zahra's wife, her father and Mr Zahra’s father are in the courtroom.
The case continues in September.