The body of David Abela, a businessman who was murdered inside his Swieqi home on 27 February, has not yet been released for burial, The Malta Independent is informed.

An autopsy, confirming that Mr Abela died from stab wounds to the neck, was performed on 28 February. The reason why the body has not yet been released remains unclear.

Mr Abela was the owner of 21st Century Travel and 21st Century Limousines. The father of four was also a director in Aviaserve, an airport ground handling company. His partner, Irina Aleksandrovna Micallef, had alerted the police to the gruesome find. Mr Abela's body was found on his bed, wrapped in bloody sheets. His hands and feet were bound with duct tape, which was also used to cover his mouth. 

This newspaper had reported that investigators were focusing on the couple's rocky relationship, including police reports that the two had filed against each other. Ms Aleksandrovna Micallef was questioned extensively at the police HQ.

The woman, who is the mother of one of Mr Abela's children, had flown in from abroad early on Friday afternoon but only went home at 5pm.

Investigators did not find signs of forced entry into the Swieqi villa. However, CCTV cameras captures a man entering the home. It is understood that the footage was very grainy and the suspect, whose face was not covered, could not be identified.