UPDATE: A man accused of murdering two Glasgow gangsters has been extradited to Spain following a dramatic court U-turn. Michael Terrence Riley, 45, was apprehended in Liverpool on June 13, 2023, after allegedly shooting Ross Monaghan, 43, and Eddie Lyons Jnr, 46, at a bar in Fuengirola on May 31, 2023. This shocking development underscores the escalating violence related to gang rivalries that have gripped Scotland.
Riley was captured just two weeks after the brutal killings, which occurred during the Champions League final viewing at Monaghan’s Bar. The victims were high-ranking members of the Lyons crime clan, embroiled in a deadly feud with the Daniel clan over control of Glasgow’s drug trade. Authorities report a surge in violence, with over 62 arrests linked to turf wars since March.
In a twist, Riley initially resisted extradition, citing fears for his life and mental health concerns. His legal representative, Renata Pinter, argued at Westminster Magistrates’ Court that he would face “inhuman or degrading treatment” in a Spanish prison due to his mental state. However, on October 7, 2023, he reversed his position and consented to the extradition, allowing Spanish authorities to proceed with their case.
The killings have drawn significant attention, not only for their brutality but also for the calculated manner in which they were executed.
“I want to highlight the high level of professionalism of [the killer],”
stated Chief Superintendent Pedro Agudo Novo, who leads the provincial Judicial Police unit in Malaga. He emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, noting that Riley had likely studied the area and security measures beforehand.
The violent history of the Lyons clan adds further complexity to this case. The ongoing feud has resulted in numerous attacks, including the 2006 murder of Michael Lyons, which was part of a long-standing rivalry. The escalating violence has led to heightened police presence and ongoing investigations across Scotland, with authorities firmly stating there is currently no direct link between the Fuengirola shootings and the broader gangland chaos.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Riley, who now faces serious charges in Spain. His extradition marks a pivotal moment in a case that has captured public attention and reflects the ongoing turmoil within Scotland’s criminal landscape.
Readers are urged to stay tuned for the latest updates as this story continues to develop.
