Michael was described as a ‘beloved member of his family and well liked in his community’, a ‘talented artist and a musician who enjoyed daily walks through the botanical gardens and playing his guitar at night. He was a very giving person who assisted people even though he didn’t have much to give.’

CONFRONTATION

The RGP said that Michael had been involved in a confrontation that led to his death on Prince Edward’s Road, in front of his home in the Gavino’s Dwellings, on the morning of July 7th 2018 at approximately 11:15am. They added that this confrontation ‘was likely with an individual known to Michael and the community’ and possibly the result of an argument over problems ‘that may have been ongoing for some time’.

It is believed that the person who was in conflict with Michael ‘probably didn’t plan for the conflict to end in that way’, that they were in the area for a ‘legitimate purpose, living there, working there, or visiting another person who resided there’ and that they ‘may have acted impulsively after having lost control of his or her temper’.

The RGP have highlighted that in the following days, the individual in question may have displayed ‘certain common post-incident behaviours, including but not limited to, suddenly departing the area temporarily or permanently, changes in mood or demeanour, changed in life-style patterns, increasing or eliminating his or her use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, and withdrawing from social contact with others. He or she may have changed his or her appearance, such as hair style or facial hair. He or she may have paid abnormal attention to the news coverage of this particular incident and may continue to do so’.

The RGP are encouraging the community to share any information they may have. Their reward of £25,000 is noted as the highest reward ever offered in Gibraltar and is considered demonstrative of its importance as they reported that they believe very strongly that someone from the community knows and for some reason ‘may be scared of talking out’ and that this is about bringing closure to Michael’s family as much as it is about bringing the perpetrator to justice.

This is reported as the next stage in the investigation and intended to put the story ‘in the public eye’.

APPEAL FOR HELP

Michael’s father, Mr Morris Montegriffo, said ‘I would like to ask the community to help us to find the person who is responsible. We would like to have closure.’

The question was posed whether they had a specific suspect in mind and the RGP responded that they were not ‘going to give out specifics on the investigation’ but that they know that there is a ‘person of interest’ to them, although they have nothing confirmed.

Individuals with information to provide may contact: Royal Gibraltar Police on 200 72500

20-02-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR