Edward Johnston, a 50-year-old Irish man, was shot dead by Maltese police after allegedly murdering his ex-girlfriend, Nicolette Ghirxi, 48, in Birkirkara. Johnston was found with a replica gun and had threatened hotel employees before a three-hour standoff with police, during which he confessed to the murder. Ghirxi's body was discovered in her apartment with stab wounds, and police had been alerted following reports of Johnston's harassment towards her in previous months. After pointing the weapon at police, Johnston was shot and later died in the hospital. The incident has drawn attention from the Irish embassy, which is prepared to assist Johnston's family, as investigations continue into both the murder and the police shooting.