A ballistics expert has told a Maltese court that the man accused of the Rabat double murder fired the fatal shots from a distance of no more than two metres.Carmelo Ciantar, known as “Id-Durga”, is charged with the murders of Anthony Agius and Dennis Mifsud, as well as arson and the illegal possession of a firearm as reported by Malta Today.Testifying on Monday morning, ballistic expert Patrick Farrugia from the Forensic Science Laboratory detailed findings gathered alongside other officials at the crime scene. The team documented the positioning of the victims and collected ballistic evidence for analysis.One victim was found outside, while the second was discovered seated behind the steering wheel of a vehicle. Both appeared to have suffered fatal gunshot wounds.A firearm was recovered from inside the accused’s vehicle and secured as evidence. Experts noted that the weapon contained one live cartridge and was later examined to determine its capacity and compatibility with recovered ammunition.During autopsies, experts observed that Agius sustained three gunshot wounds to the upper body, while Mifsud suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.Forensic analysis found that the bullets recovered from the scene, the accused’s vehicle and a nearby room were compatible with the firearm in question. Tests carried out to determine firing distance concluded the shots were discharged from within two metres.The court also heard from DNA expert Marisa Cassar, who presented clothing belonging to the accused that allegedly contained traces of the victims’ blood.The case is set to continue on 26th March at 9am before Magistrate Astrid May Grima.AG lawyer Anthony Vella prosecuted, assisted zy Inspectors Kurt Colombo Zahra, Wayne Camilleri and Cheyenne Mangion.Defence lawyers Franco Debono, Adreana Zammit, Anthea Bonnici Zammit and Francesca Zarb appeared for the accused.Lawyers Mario Mifsud, Nicholas Mifsud, David Chetcuti Dimech appeared for the victims’ families.Magistrate Astrid May Grima presided over the case.•