Southampton Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Attempted Murder with Crossbow
Maricel Melinte, 47, from Fuschia Gardens, Southampton, was found guilty of attempted murder at Winchester Crown Court this February. The chilling attack happened on Sunday, 26 September 2021, at Melinte’s home.
Close-Range Crossbow Attack in Garden
Just before 3pm, Melinte shot a man in his 30s—known to him—at point-blank range in the back garden. The victim was hit in the head by a crossbow bolt but amazingly fought back. Armed only with a hammer, he struck Melinte multiple times before locking him out in the garden and fleeing inside.
The injured victim then staggered onto Winchester Road, collapsing shortly after. Members of the public quickly called the police, who arrested Melinte and seized the crossbow along with a broken bolt shaft.
Miraculous Survival After Life-Threatening Injury
The victim was rushed to Southampton General Hospital. Scans revealed the bolt was embedded deep in his skull, piercing his brain. Doctors induced a coma for two weeks, fearing the worst.
Remarkably, neurosurgeons performed a complex and lengthy operation to remove the bolt—and succeeded against the odds. The whole horrific attack was caught on a time-lapse camera accidentally left by the victim on top of Melinte’s shed. This footage was crucial evidence during the trial.
Justice Served and Recovery Underway
At the sentencing, the victim revealed he unwittingly filmed the assault, helping secure the conviction. Although he still struggles with control over his left eye and suffered a dislocated right elbow needing surgery, he’s now on the road to recovery.
Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb praised the victim’s bravery and said: “The fact this man survived is quite simply a miracle; the bolt was millimetres from killing him. Thanks to the camera footage and relentless police work, Melinte will be behind bars for a long time.”
Hampshire Police added: “We will not tolerate violence involving firearms and will use every resource to get justice for victims.”
