Jean Paul Busuttil dies in fatal Bidnija shooting
Fatal Bidnija shooting death of Jean Paul Busuttil
An argument stemming from roadway frustration turned lethal in Bidnija on Sunday morning. One man, involved in a small traffic mishap, went back to his home, retrieved a firearm, and ended up killing the other driver.
The tragedy unfolded around 8:00 AM in Bidnija along a rural path that is usually two-way, but was operating as one-way due to ongoing construction on a nearby road.
According to informants, the dispute started with a minor collision on Triq il-Konkos between a motorcycle and a car owned by two men living nearby. Both vehicles suffered only slight damage.
When a traffic officer arrived at the location, the disagreement between the two individuals intensified. At one point, one of the men went to his house in the vicinity, returned with a handgun, and shot the other driver, as reported by sources.
The victim, identified as the 53-year-old Jean Paul Busuttil, attempted to drive to the hospital but fainted in Burmarrad. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital and did not survive the journey.
A motorcycle spotted on the road where the incident occurred. Image from police.
The alleged perpetrator, aged 46, was arrested and offered no resistance to police when they arrived shortly after.
Brandon Pisani, speaking for the police, indicated that the available evidence suggests the shooting was a result of a road anger incident.
Law enforcement stated that the weapon used in the crime is still being searched for.
The traffic officer involved received treatment for shock, and blood was found on his vehicle’s door.
A police car moving through the area with road construction. Photo: Jonathan Borg.
This marks the first homicide of 2025.
An official inquiry by a magistrate has been launched.
Police personnel are dispersed in search of the murder weapon. Police photograph.
Concurrently, residents of Bidnija mentioned they had been voicing concerns for a long time about delays in the local road projects, with one main street in the area, Triq il-Bidnija, remaining closed for many months.
