UPDATE: A man accused of murdering two notorious Glasgow gangsters has been photographed for the first time. Michael Terrence Riley, aged 45, is charged with the fatal shootings of Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr at a bar in Fuengirola, Spain, on May 31, 2023.
The killings occurred as Monaghan and Lyons were watching the Champions League final, marking a shocking escalation in a violent turf war linked to the Lyons crime clan. Riley, who was arrested in Liverpool on June 13, is currently awaiting trial in Spain.
Authorities report that Riley entered Monaghan’s Bar and shot both men before fleeing the scene. The crime has sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld, with Spanish police chief Chief Superintendent Pedro Agudo Novo stating that Riley had planned to escape to a “paradise island tax haven” on the same day he was apprehended.
In a dramatic twist, Riley initially fought extradition, citing mental health issues and fears for his safety from gang members in Spanish prisons. However, in a surprising change of heart, he consented to extradition during a court hearing on October 7, paving the way for his trial.
“I want to highlight the high level of professionalism of [the killer],” Chief Superintendent Agudo Novo stated, emphasizing the calculated nature of the crime.
The murders of Monaghan and Lyons are part of a broader surge in gang violence across Scotland, where police have made 62 arrests in connection with ongoing turf wars between the Lyons and rival Daniel clan. The feud has led to widespread violence, including shootings and firebombings in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Riley’s case is garnering intense media attention, with many questioning how the brutal crime will further impact the already volatile gang landscape in Scotland. Both Monaghan and Lyons were key figures in the Lyons crime family, engaged in a decades-long struggle for dominance over Glasgow’s lucrative drug trade.
As developments unfold, readers are urged to stay tuned for updates on this high-profile case, which continues to attract significant public and media interest due to its violent implications and the notorious backgrounds of those involved.
The shocking nature of the crime and Riley’s subsequent arrest highlight the ongoing battle against organized crime in Spain and the UK. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming trial, where Riley will face serious charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
