An Irish man has been shot dead by police in Malta after he murdered his ex-girlfriend, Nicolette Ghirxi. Edward Johnston had been stalking and harassing his former partner in the lead up to the fatal attack. The 48-year-old woman was found with stab wounds in an apartment, and a knife was discovered near her body.
Online Harassment and Escalation
In the weeks leading up to the murder, Johnston reportedly harassed Ms Ghirxi through multiple social media accounts. According to Live95fm, he is said to have created fake profiles under names such as Riccardo Raspini and Lisa Campo to target and intimidate his former partner. His harassment escalated to the point where he even attempted to have her removed from her job at HSBC, according to reports. These actions were part of a broader pattern of behavior that included sending insulting emails and making disturbing accusations about her personal life.
Ms Ghirxi had reported these incidents of harassment to the local police in April and May. Despite her efforts to seek help, the harassment continued. As recently as last week, she informed the authorities that she believed Johnston had traveled to Malta. Tragically, her fears were realized when he confronted her in Birkirkara, leading to the fatal stabbing that claimed her life.
A Violent Confrontation with Police
After the murder, Johnston fled to St. Julian’s, where police engaged in a tense three-hour standoff. During the confrontation, Johnston went into the sea and eventually emerged onto the rocks, where he pointed a pistol at his head. He then turned the gun to the police and they were forced to open fire. Johnston was shot and later died in a local hospital. It was later revealed that the weapon he brandished was a replica pistol.
The Maltese police commissioner, Angelo Gafa, confirmed that autopsies will be conducted on both Johnston and Ms Ghirxi to determine the official causes of death. The incident has shocked the local community and sparked renewed calls for action against domestic violence.
The Warning Signs of Escalation
Research has consistently shown that stalking and harassing behavior, particularly after a relationship has ended, is a significant warning sign of potential escalation to violence or even homicide. A recent report in Australia revealed that almost three-quarters of cases of intimate partner homicide are preceded by patterns of controlling and stalking behavior. Experts emphasize that such behavior should be taken seriously and addressed promptly to prevent further violence.
In this case, Ms Ghirxi’s attempts to seek help and report Johnston’s harassment to the authorities highlight the challenges victims face in protecting themselves from abusive ex-partners. Despite her efforts, the system was unable to prevent the fatal outcome.
A Call for Change
According to Breakingnews.ie, the murder of Nicolette Ghirxi has sparked outrage in Malta and beyond. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament and a Maltese native, expressed her sorrow and anger on social media, stating that “Nicolette Ghirxi should be alive today.” Metsola called for immediate action to address the epidemic of violence against women, emphasizing that “our grief must turn into action” and “our anger must fuel change. The epidemic of violence against women cannot go on” [via Breakingnews.ie].
As Malta mourns the loss of another woman to domestic violence, the call for systemic change has never been more urgent.
Featured image: Nicolette Ghirxi. Source: European Parliament president Roberta Metsola / Facebook.
