Daniel Muka on Saturday was found guilty of the murder of Christian Pandolfino and Ivor Maciejowski, while Viktor Dragomanski was found not guilty of complicity in a wilful homicide. 

After nearly five hours of deliberating, jurors reached their verdict over the brutal double murder.

Jurors unanimously found Muka guilty on all charges including the wilful homicide of Christian Pandolfino and Ivor Maciejowski, aggravated theft, unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, carrying a weapon without a licence, conspiracy to commit a crime and voluntary damage to property among others. 

Meanwhile, Viktor Dragomanski was found not guilty of complicity in a wilful homicide by a 6-3 vote. The jury found him guilty of aggravated theft by the same margins, and unanimously found him guilty of the illegal use of a number plate.

The pair had both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Both men will learn how much jail time they will serve on Monday.

The murders sent shockwaves across the island. Pandolfino, a well-known art collector and entrepreneur, and Maciejowski, a British national and art dealer, were found dead at their Locker Street home on the night of 18 August 2020. Investigators described the attack as deliberate and targeted.

In court, the prosecution argued that the killings occurred during an attempted robbery gone wrong. Jesper Kristiansen, a Danish national, previously admitted to his role and is now serving a 40-year sentence after a plea bargain.

Kristiansen became a key witness for the prosecution, testifying that Muka was the ringleader who had pressured him into participating. The trio had planned to rob Pandolfino, whom they believed kept large sums of cash and valuables inside his home.

Presided over by Madam Justice Natasha Galea Sciberras, the trial spanned 12 days and heard testimony from forensic experts, investigators, and Kristiansen himself. The jury also watched hours of CCTV footage showing the masked assailants entering and exiting the Sliema property.

AG lawyers Maria Francesca Spiteri and Kevin Valletta prosecuted.

Lawyers José Herrera and Alex Scerri Herrera assisted Dragomanski.

Legal aid lawyer Josette Sultana represented Muka.

Lawyers Joe Giglio and Michaela Giglio assisted the victims’ families.