Three men from Derry have been found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019.
McKee, 29, from Belfast, died after being hit by a bullet while standing near police vehicles, watching rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on 18 April 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the killing.
On Friday, in a long-awaited verdict, Jordan Devine, 25, Paul McIntyre, 58, and Peter Cavanagh, 38, were all cleared of her murder. The trial began in May 2024 at Belfast Crown Court before Mrs Justice Smyth, who presided without a jury.
Prosecutors told the court that none of the three men fired the fatal shot, but they were involved in a joint effort to encourage and assist the gunman. In February, Smyth rejected a defence request to dismiss the case due to lack of evidence.
McKee’s friends described the verdict as “heartbreaking.”
More details to follow…
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the verdict in the Lyra McKee murder trial written in a natural tone with clear direct answers
General Background Questions
Q Who was Lyra McKee
A She was a 29yearold journalist from Northern Ireland known for her investigative reporting on social issues and the legacy of the Troubles She was shot dead during rioting in Derry in April 2019
Q What happened on the night she was killed
A Lyra was observing a riot in the Creggan area of Derry when a gunman opened fire at police lines A bullet ricocheted and struck her She died at the scene
Q Who was charged with her murder
A Three men were charged Niall Sheerin Paul McIntyre and Kevin McAlister They were members of the dissident republican group the New IRA
Q What was the verdict
A All three men were found not guilty of murder
The Trial The Verdict
Q What was the main evidence against them
A The prosecutions case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence including phone records mobile phone cell site data and witness testimony placing them in the area
Q Why were they found not guilty
A The judge ruled that the evidence was not strong enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any of the three men was the actual gunman or that they had planned the murder together The case was built on inference not direct proof
Q Was anyone else convicted for the murder
A No No one has ever been convicted for Lyra McKees murder
Q Did the men admit to being part of the New IRA
A They denied membership in the New IRA and the judge found the evidence of membership was also insufficient to prove that charge beyond a reasonable doubt
Reactions Impact
Q How did Lyra McKees family react
A They were devastated and expressed deep disappointment Her partner said it felt like justice was not served and that the verdict was a slap in the face
Q What did the police say about the verdict
