Nicolette Ghirxi Obituary, Death – Nicolette Ghirxi, who was fatally stabbed in her Swatar apartment during the early hours of Monday, is believed to have been killed by Edward Johnston, with whom she had recently ended a relationship. Johnston, an Irish national and former soldier, was subsequently shot dead by police in St Julian’s after he aimed what was later identified as a replica firearm at them.
During a press conference on Monday, Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa confirmed that Ghirxi, aged 48, and Johnston had been involved in a relationship that had deteriorated. While there had been no prior reports of violence between the two, Ghirxi had lodged a harassment complaint in April concerning emails sent by Johnston following their breakup. She filed another harassment report in May, again related to emails that Gafa characterized as harassing but not threatening.
In the previous month, Ghirxi had alerted the police about defamatory posts made about her, suspecting Johnston, who was overseas at that time. On Thursday at 9 PM, she emailed the police to indicate that Johnston might be in Malta. Although a risk assessment was offered to her, she declined, expressing that she did not perceive herself to be in danger.
“The victim herself indicated that she did not feel threatened, and the messages we reviewed supported this,” Gafa stated. The families of both Ghirxi and Johnston have been notified of the situation.
Friends have expressed their disbelief regarding the murder of Ghirxi, who held a position in charge of home loans at HSBC. A friend and former colleague remarked on Facebook that Ghirxi was “a truly beautiful soul… an incredible coach, a dedicated leader, and a passionate animal lover. Her kindness and strength touched everyone she met.”
Another friend mentioned that Ghirxi had previously been in a four-year relationship with a Maltese man, which ended approximately a year ago. “I never met him [the Irish man suspected of murdering her]. I was shocked as soon as I heard the news. I couldn’t believe it,” she stated.
“She was a sharp woman, very helpful, always providing sound advice to anyone in need.”
In a Facebook post on Monday,
