Grammy Winner Murdered in Horrific Stabbing Attack

Scribz Riley/Instagram

Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley, who worked with some of the biggest names in pop music, has been found stabbed to death in London.

He was just 35.

Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was discovered on the morning of June 5 in a garden, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. Officers and paramedics rushed to the scene, but the acclaimed songwriter could not be saved.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” police said.

The shocking death has rocked the music world, where Riley was known for his work with stars including Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Usher, Ellie Goulding, Nick Jonas, Jessie J, Jason Derulo, Iggy Azalea and Chris Brown.

Police confirmed that three people were arrested on suspicion of murder the same day Riley was found dead.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke said a 27-year-old man has since been released on bail as the investigation continues. A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were questioned and later released with no further action.

“Our investigation continues at pace,” Yorke said. “I would like to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to speak to police.”

She added that investigators are especially interested in hearing from anyone who may have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the stabbing.

Riley’s sudden and violent death has left his loved ones devastated.

His brother Michael Orabiyi, also known as Scribz Riley, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, revealing that the two had spoken shortly before Riley died.

“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream,” he wrote.

He said their last conversation was about the future, staying positive and everything they still hoped to do.

“I never imagined that would be our last conversation,” he continued. “You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue to live on through your music, your family, your friends, and everyone blessed enough to have known you.”

Riley’s family and management also released a joint statement honoring the man behind the hit songs.

“For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most,” they wrote.

Riley had built an impressive career behind the scenes in the music industry.

In 2019, he won a Grammy for his work on H.E.R.’s song “Lights On,” which appeared on her self-titled debut album. That album went on to win Best R&B Album.

He also helped write Britney Spears’ “Clumsy” and Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance” in 2016, while contributing background vocals.

But Riley was not only a songwriter for other stars. He was also a performer in his own right.

In March, just months before his death, he released his own track, “The One,” which he wrote, performed and produced entirely by himself.

Now, fans and fellow artists are mourning a talented musician whose life and career were cut brutally short.

Police have not yet announced a motive in the killing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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