Paola Shooting Suspect Threatened To ‘Riddle Children With Bullets’ Appears In Court
34-year-old Melvin Debono, known as il-Quws, appeared in court this afternoon after being accused of firing shots during a dispute in Paola.
Debono was charged with multiple offences, including firing a weapon in public, unlicensed gun possession, procuring a firearm without notifying police, property damage, threats, cocaine possession, breaching bail conditions, and recidivism. He pleaded not guilty, as reported by Times of Malta.
The incident unfolded on Sunday evening in Melita Street, Paola, after an argument with the alleged victim over money. According to police inspector Gabriel Kitcher, Debono invited the man to his home before emerging with a shotgun and firing several rounds. Nobody was injured. Video footage filmed by the victim’s partner allegedly shows Debono waving the weapon and shouting, “Death awaits you” and “I will riddle your children with shots.”
When police arrived, Debono initially refused to leave the house but was eventually persuaded to surrender by Inspector Mark Mercieca. In court, defence lawyer Franco Debono questioned the legality of the arrest, arguing his client had not been immediately informed of his rights. However, Inspector Mercieca testified that Debono was clearly told the reasons for his arrest and later handed a formal letter of rights. The court ruled the arrest lawful.
Prosecutors requested a protection order for the alleged victim and his family, which the court upheld while also ordering a ban on their identities. As he left the courtroom, Debono reportedly asked, “Who will protect my children?”
No bail was requested. The case continues before Magistrate Gabriella Vella, with police inspectors Gabriel Kitcher and Mark Mercieca leading the prosecution, and lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri, and Anthea Zammit Bonnici representing the accused.
📸:NETnews
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