In the quiet, coastal town of Marsascala, a stark reminder of violence shattered the peace last year. Now, justice has been served. Carl Caruana, the man at the centre of the Marsascala shooting case, has been handed a prison term.

On a balmy evening in July 2021, the tranquility of Triq il-Kappella in Marsascala was disrupted by the sudden crack of gunshots. Neighbors watched in horror as a man, later identified as Carl Caruana, fired multiple rounds at a car parked outside a house. The driver, a 32-year-old man, was critically injured and rushed to Mater Dei Hospital.

The shooting through the usually peaceful town, leaving residents on edge and eager for answers. The police swiftly arrested Caruana, and the investigation began to unravel a tale of alleged organized crime and personal vendettas.

The court heard that Caruana, a 45-year-old man from Marsascala, was allegedly involved in a long-standing dispute with the victim. The dispute, according to prosecution, was rooted in organized crime activities. Caruana was accused of using a gun to settle the score, an act that landed him in court facing charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

The trial lasted for months, with witnesses testifying about the events leading up to the shooting and the chilling moment when Caruana allegedly opened fire. Caruana maintained his innocence throughout, claiming he was acting in self-defense.

After careful consideration of the evidence, the court found Caruana guilty. On Tuesday, Judge Joseph Mifsud sentenced Caruana to 12 years in prison for attempted murder and 10 years for illegal possession of a firearm, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The sentence brings a measure of closure to the Marsascala community, who have been living with the aftermath of the shooting for over a year. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and disputes through legal means.

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message,” said Superintendent of Police, Philip Vella. “We will not tolerate gun violence in our communities. Those who choose to settle disputes with firearms will face the full force of the law.”