Lyra McKee Murder Trial: Accused Men Linked to Scene by Clothing and Physical Features
Three men accused of the murder of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee have been linked to the scene through their clothing and physical features, a court has heard. The 29-year-old journalist died after being struck by a bullet while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Londonderry on April 18, 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for her death.
Charges and Defendants in the Case
Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street, Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk, all from Derry, have been charged with the murder of Lyra McKee. They are also facing additional charges related to the shooting and the rioting that occurred that night.
Six other men from Derry are currently on trial for charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs. These defendants are:
- Joseph Patrick Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive
- Jude Forest Coffey, 28, of Gartan Square
- Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Gosheden Cottages
- Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place
- Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass
- Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens
Another man accused of rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the night of the murder died during trial proceedings last year.
Prosecution's Case and Forensic Evidence
The prosecution contends that the three men accused of murder accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point on the night of April 18, 2019, and encouraged or assisted him. The trial, which opened in May 2024, saw Judge Patricia Smyth reject a defence application in February that there was no case to answer.
Proceedings resumed at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday morning, with defendants filling the dock as the prosecution summed up their case. Lyra McKee's sister, Nichola, was among those watching from the public gallery.
Prosecuting barrister David McDowell KC stated that forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals by height, build, clothing, and trainers who appeared to be involved in the disorder. He asserted that Cavanagh, Devine, McIntyre, as well as Campbell and Gillen, can be linked to the scene through analysis of imagery gathered, including footage filmed by an MTV crew on the day of the shooting in the Saoradh office and during the rioting.
Key Evidence and Defendant Details
Mr McDowell also argued that those involved in rioting on April 16 and 18 displayed forensic awareness by burning clothing. He noted that several missing items of clothing associated with defendants were not discovered during searches nor produced since, suggesting they had been deliberately disposed of, which he described as an important strand in the case.
Regarding Paul McIntyre, Mr McDowell contended he played a leading role and was spotted close to the gunman. He was pictured wearing distinctive trainers with lace adornment, a hooded jacket, a red Superdry T-shirt, O'Neill tracksuit bottoms, a Nike cap, and a metal bracelet. Combined with his short height and heavy build, this overwhelmingly linked him to person D seen in footage of the rioting on April 18. McIntyre also has his name Paul tattooed on his knuckles and a distinctive tattoo on the upper part of his left hand.
Moving to Jordan Gareth Devine, Mr McDowell said he was seen wearing distinctive trainers, tracksuit bottoms, and a US Polo Association cap on multiple occasions, linking him to person B from riot footage on April 18. Both McIntyre and Devine declined to give evidence to account for the evidence against them.
The trial is set to continue on Thursday morning as the court further examines the connections between the accused and the tragic events of that night.
