‘In The Heat Of The Moment You’d Do Anything’ Said Baħrija Double Murder Suspect
In a recent court session, Carmelo Ciantar, known as ‘Id-Durga’, admitted in multiple instances to the double murder he committed during a 35-minute police interrogation.
According to TVM News, the testimony was provided by Inspector Cheyenne Mangion, stationed at the Qawra Police Station, in front of Magistrate Astrid May Grima in Courtroom 14. Ciantar faces charges for the murders of 51-year-old Dennis Mifsud from Siġġiewi and 57-year-old Anthony Agius from Rabat.
During the interrogation, Ciantar reportedly stated that within his family, he was often kept at arm’s length. He further claimed that he “stamped his foot on the demon and everything changed.” Ciantar also mentioned having frequent physical altercations with his relatives and, notably, with his partner, Agnes.
When questioned about his feelings following the double murder, Ciantar allegedly responded, “I felt nothing,” but later expressed regret, stating that if he had known, he would have considered “the house the heaven of the earth.” Inspector Mangion also quoted Ciantar saying, “In the heat of the moment, you do anything.” On the day of the murders, he reportedly admitted to having no contact with either of the victims.
Regarding the weapon used in the crime, which was found still loaded, Ciantar claimed to have owned the firearm for some time, with the last use being in April. He also confessed to setting fire to a nearby room with a lighter and diesel after “finishing everything,” expressing a desire to prevent anyone from benefitting from what he considered “his belongings.” In his statement to the police, Ciantar allegedly told the arresting officer, “You threw me into hell,” and declared that his fate was to suffer.
Further testimony was provided by Gary Scerri from the Police Homicide Squad, who detailed Ciantar’s arrest. Once in custody, Ciantar reportedly confessed to shooting Dennis in the head, then waiting for Anthony to arrive before shooting him twice in the chest and once in the back.
The victims, Mifsud and Agius, were killed on 29th July. Dennis was the son of Ciantar’s partner, while Anthony was the partner’s daughter’s husband.
The compilation of evidence against Ciantar began on 13th August, with testimony from his partner revealing that the victims had arguments with him on “a piece of land” and that Ciantar was very patient with both of them on the issue.
The prosecution is being led by Lawyers Anthony Vella and Kaylie Bonett from the Attorney General’s Office, along with Inspectors Kurt Colombo Zahra, Wayne Camilleri, and Cheyenne Mangion. Ciantar is being defended by Lawyers Franco Debono, Francesca Zarb, Adreana Zammit, and Anthea Bonnici Zammit. Lawyers Mario and Nicholas Mifsud represent the relatives of Anthony Agius, while Lawyers Arthur Azzopardi, Jacob Magri, and David Chetcuti Dimech represent the relatives of Dennis Mifsud.
Additionally, Dun Joe Abela, the Rector of the Church of the Conception, testified that the incident occurred after attending the funeral of the President of the Republic’s husband, Notary Anthony Spiteri Debono. He recalled being informed by an elderly woman that there was a person lying on the ground. Upon investigation, he noticed a fire in a room and realised that the incident had occurred on the left side of the street. He was stopped by doctors from entering the crime scene and observed a white vehicle nearby.
Later, Dun Abela testified that he saw five women sitting together on a bench, whom he believed to be relatives of the victims due to their distressed appearance.
The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the tragic events and the complex relationships involved
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