The police are keeping a tight lid on the circumstances that led to the death of 15-year-old Lisa Marie Zahra, who was found dead at the bottom of Dingli cliffs on Wednesday afternoon.

She had been reported missing along with Erin Tanti, 23, who is in critical condition at Mater Dei Hospoital, having been rescued in an operation involving the police, CPD and AFM.

Ms Zahra, the daughter of former MHRA president Tony Zahra, and Mr Tanti had been reported missing earlier in the day by the police. Mr Tanti is a teacher by profession.

Asked to give more information about the tragedy, the police said that a magisterial inquiry is under way and it is not prudent at this time to give more details.

In a statement to the media, the Zahra family said that in the light of certain premature and inaccurate statements in certain sections of the press that have given the impression that Erin Tanti was assisting Lisa Maria Zahra in a difficult period of her life, the Zahra family appeal to the press to be more prudent in their commentary with regard to any stories carried while police investigations are still in progress. 

The cruel reality is that Lisa Maria Zahra was a vulnerable minor, at the age of 15, and Erin Tanti is a 23-year-old teacher with the relevant responsibilities that come with this role.

The tragic situation that developed after Mr Tanti drove Lisa Maria to Dingli is one which is still subject to ongoing Police investigations and prudency in any commentary, as well as the family’s privacy in these difficult moments, should be respected at this time. 

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-03-19/news/15-year-old-girl-youth-missing-4312891392/