A Czech man suspected in the murder of Belfast resident John George died from gunshot wounds in Torrevieja, Spain. The 33-year-old received fatal injuries to the head around 1:30 a.m. on a Sunday in the Rocio del Mar area south of Torrevieja town centre. Spanish Civil Guard investigators confirmed the homicide and began a probe.

John George went missing in Alicante for 21 days starting in December 2024. Police found his body in Rojales near Torrevieja on January 7, 2025. Michal Maly faced arrest on suspicion of involvement shortly after the discovery. A judge released him on bail with requirements to surrender his passport, stay within the jurisdiction and report to police daily.

Belfast man Jonny Smyth also faced arrest linked to the case. He left Spain after George's disappearance and prompted Interpol warrants. Authorities detained him in Portugal in March 2025 and extradited him to Spain. Smyth posted bail of 87,000 euros and left custody in December 2024.

George's family stated through their solicitor a commitment to pursue the trial of another suspect. Spanish authorities restricted details on Maly's death due to a secrecy order from the judge. No arrests followed the shooting as of the latest reports.