John George Murder: Suspect Shot Dead in Spain as Investigation Continues

A man previously under investigation in connection with the murder of John George, a Northern Irish national, has been shot dead in Torrevieja, Spain. The incident adds a new layer of complexity to a case that has spanned over a year and involved international investigations.

The Murder of John George

John George, from Belfast, disappeared in Alicante in December 2024. His body was discovered in Rojales, near Torrevieja, in January 2025 . The discovery prompted a police investigation that led to the arrest of two suspects: Michael Maly and Jonny Smyth.

Michael Maly’s Death

Michael Maly, a 33-year-old Czech national, was shot dead in the early hours of Sunday in Torrevieja . He had been released on bail as part of the investigation into George’s murder. Spanish authorities have confirmed the “homicide” and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death . The Guardia Civil has stated that the investigation is ongoing and has not made any arrests in connection with Maly’s murder .

Maly had been arrested on suspicion of homicide shortly after George’s body was found. He cooperated with investigators, assisting in locating George’s body . He denied involvement in the killing, claiming his connection was limited to a recent friendship with the primary suspect.

As a condition of his bail, Maly was required to surrender his passport, remain in Spain, and report regularly to police . Despite new forensic evidence linking him to the crime – blood belonging to John George found on his vehicle’s license plates – a judge maintained these conditions rather than detaining him .

Jonny Smyth and the Ongoing Investigation

The other suspect in the case, Jonny Smyth, was arrested in Portugal in March 2025 after being the subject of international arrest warrants issued by Interpol . He was subsequently extradited to Spain and remains under formal investigation .

John George’s family, through their solicitor, has stated their commitment to seeing the prosecution of those involved in his death continue to trial . They have declined to comment on Maly’s death.

Rising Violence on the Costa Blanca

Maly’s murder is part of a pattern of increasing violence in the southern Costa Blanca region, linked to drug-related conflicts between rival gangs, often involving British and Irish nationals . Recent incidents include the discovery of a British man’s body with gunshot wounds in December 2024, and several other shootings and stabbings in the past year.