Police hope the survivor of a botched Attard assassination attempt will be able to help them crack the case which remains shrouded in mystery. 

Sources yesterday said Raymond Grima, who survived last month’s attack despite being shot three times, holds the key to unlocking who was behind the incident.

“He has been in hospital in critical condition, but has since taken a turn for the better and we hope we will be able to speak to him shortly and get some vital information on this case,” sources said.  

The assassination attempt, on November 17, claimed the life of 58-year-old Angelo Mangion who investigators believe was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The attack, which occurred in Mr Grima’s upholstery workshop on Triq Mdina, is believed to have been meant to target Mr Grima, although investigators remain unsure why.

“We have a few theories, but until we speak to Mr Grima, we will have nothing conclusive enough to press charges,” the sources said.   

A few hours after the attack, police had questioned a man who they suspected could have been the trigger man.

An anonymous tipster had informed the police of the assassin’s alleged identity, and the person investigators had questioned had matched a rough physical description given by Mr Caruana before he was taken to hospital. 

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The suspect was, however, released without any charges being filed. 

Mr Mangion, from Qormi, had entered the garage where Mr Grima runs his business with his son, at around 6.30pm to have the seat of his motorcycle reupholstered.

 He was soon followed, however, by the gunman, wearing a full-head helmet, who discharged his weapon some 10 times.

The victim was hit by three shots while Mr Grima also took three bullets.

The aggressor made his getaway on a motorbike and it does not seem there was an accomplice involved.

This was the seventh murder committed this year.