Three men charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have been linked to the scene by their clothing and physical features, Belfast Crown Court has heard. McKee, 29, was killed by a bullet while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on 18 April 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for her death.
The defendants, all from Derry, are Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street; Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk. They face murder charges as well as other offences connected to the shooting and rioting. The trial opened in May 2024 after Judge Patricia Smyth rejected a defence application that there was no case to answer.
Prosecution barrister David McDowell KC told the court that forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller had identified 19 individuals by height, build, clothing and trainers from footage, including material filmed by an MTV crew. McDowell said Cavanagh, Devine, McIntyre, and two other defendants could be linked to the scene on 18 April through this analysis.
McDowell claimed McIntyre played a “leading role” and was spotted close to the gunman. He described McIntyre’s distinctive clothing and features, including a red Superdry T-shirt, O’Neill tracksuit bottoms, a Nike cap, a metal bracelet, and tattoos on his hand, which “overwhelmingly” linked him to a person seen in riot footage. Devine was linked by his distinctive trainers, tracksuit bottoms and US Polo Association cap. Both men declined to give evidence.
Six other Derry men are on trial for rioting and throwing petrol bombs. The prosecution alleges the three murder accused accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point and encouraged or assisted him. McKee’s sister Nichola was in the public gallery.
