Shot businessman succumbs to wounds

Real estate developer and owner of the San Lawrenz Kempinski Hotel in Gozo, died at Mater Dei Hospital shortly after  midnight.

He was in a critical condition over the past weeks, as he suffered complications to his vital organs after sustaining a bullet to his back when he was assaulted by an unidentified shooter in Valletta on November 23.

Police have now stepped up their investigations into a murder probe.

In a statement later the same day, the Chairman and Council members of the Malta Developers Association expressed their sadness and regret on the news of the death of following the brutal assault on his life. Baldacchino was a founder member of the MDA.

"On behalf of all its members, the MDA wishes to convey its condolences to Mr Baldacchino’s wife, his five children and all his family," the statement said.