Man sentenced to 40 years for murder of Turkish woman on island of Malta

Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) – A man convicted of intentionally running over a Turkish woman, after which he emerged from the car and threw stones at her, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison by a Maltese court.

The trial of Jeremie Camilleri, a 34-year-old French-Maltese citizen, for the willful homicide of Pelin Kaya, an interior designer, on the Mediterranean island had captured international attention.

Kaya was murdered while walking home after celebrating her birthday. She was 30.

Camilleri only admitted to the crime last month, acknowledging his deliberately running over Kaya while she walked on a sidewalk in Malta on Jan. 18, 2023.

Members of the Kaya family, grieving the loss, attended the final hearing in the capital Valetta, where Judge Consuelo Herrera found Camilleri guilty.

The prosecution had sought a 37-year sentence, but Herrera imposed the maximum penalty allowed by Maltese law, 40 years.

The ruling was reportedly influenced by Camilleri's confession agreement with the defense.

During the trial, Herrera underscored Camilleri's violent disposition, highlighting his lack of remorse.

According to the Times of Malta, during the hearing Herrera decried Camilleri’s violent actions, saying: "He not only ran over the victim and killed her while she was walking on the sidewalk, but also threw stones at her. He also attacked other people nearby. This is unacceptable in this society. This behavior needs to be condemned most severely."

The judge expressed her inclination to impose a life sentence, reflecting the severity of the crime and the impact it had.

In addition to the prison sentence, Camilleri was fined €5,000 ($5,425) and was ordered to cover the court costs of €20,000.

On Jan. 18, on Testeferrata Street in the city of Gzira, a vehicle driven by Camilleri hit Kaya, who was walking in front of a restaurant.

Eyewitnesses reported that Camilleri got out of his car and threw stones at Kaya, and also blocked others from trying to help her.

Malta police apprehended Camilleri, who exhibited aggressive behavior, using a stun gun.

Held in custody since the day of the incident, Camilleri long denied his guilt until he changed his statement this Feb. 5, confessing to killing Kaya and accepting all charges against him.