[WATCH] Estranged husband charged with Mangion Walker's murder

Estranged husband charged with Mangion Walker's murder

Estranged husband charged with Mangion Walker's murder

Andrew Mangion has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his estranged wife Eleanor Mangion Walker.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras' courtroom was packed with press, police and family members as Inspectors Keith Arnaud and Kylie Borg arraigned Mangion under arrest in a late afternoon sitting and charged him with the wilful homicide of Mangion Walker.

The accused spoke only to confirm his name, age and profession during today's sitting, his voice a shaky, low monotone. No request for bail was made. He will be remanded in custody at Corradino prisons.

Mangion, 40, had turned himself in on June 5th, in the midst of a nationwide police manhunt that was launched following the discovery of the body of Mangion Walker, mother to the accused's 9-year old daughter, under wooden pallets in a Qormi warehouse on Sunday 3 July. The couple, who were married in 2009 , were in the midst of separation proceedings.  The killing is thought to have been motivated by jealousy.

The suspect was due to be charged several days ago, but his arraignment had to be delayed while he was being treated at Mount Carmel Hospital. A fresh warrant for his arrest was issued and he was arrested upon his discharge from the facility, yesterday.

Mangion is reported to have opened up about having committed the murder to a relative, who he then asked to help him hide the body. The relative refused. 

Mangion is accused of having killed the 33 year-old mother of one at a garage in Swieqi before driving to Qormi and dumping the body in a disused warehouse. Police had discovered the body after receiving a tip off relating to its location. A subsequent autopsy confirmed that the woman had died of head injuries caused by blunt trauma.

The couple's young daughter is now understood to be in the care of her grandmother.

Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared as defence counsel to Mangion, while lawyers Michael Sciriha and Lucio Sciriha appeared as parte civile for the victim's family.