Lyra McKee Murder Trial: Accused 'Part of Shooting Party' and 'Stewarded Crowd'
Belfast Crown Court has heard that one of the men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee was 'part of the shooting party' and 'stewarded' the crowd during the disturbances that led to her death. The 29-year-old author was fatally struck by a bullet while observing riots in the Creggan area of Londonderry on April 18, 2019.
Prosecution Details Alleged Involvement
Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street in Derry, is one of three individuals charged with Ms McKee's murder. Prosecuting barrister David McDowell KC argued that Cavanagh is identified as 'person G' in footage from the night, based on his clothing, height, and build. The court was shown mobile footage depicting Cavanagh wearing a camouflage mask, bomber jacket, skinny jeans, and dark Nike trainers, with a slim build and upright walk.
Mr McDowell contended that Cavanagh, as person G, was seen 'walking briskly' with the gunman, positioning himself in the middle of the road, and turning to face the crowd twice, 'as if stewarding them'. He emphasized that Cavanagh's actions showed purpose, stating, 'Whenever he arrives at the scene, he is part of the shooting party... he is not there accidentally, he is there for a reason.'
Forensic Evidence and Additional Charges
The trial also revealed that Cavanagh's DNA was found on a zip pull discovered in 'burning clothes', which the prosecution claims was from a jacket he wore on April 18. Cavanagh has not given evidence in response to these allegations.
Two other men, Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk, are also charged with Ms McKee's murder, along with other charges related to the shooting and rioting. Six additional Derry men face charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs:
- 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 Trial Developments
The prosecution argues that the three men accused of murder accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point, encouraging or assisting him. All defendants have denied the charges and refused to give evidence. The New IRA claimed responsibility for Ms McKee's death.
During Thursday's proceedings, footage was shown of four shots fired towards police, followed by screams. Mr McDowell described these as 'very much aimed shots', not fired wildly but deliberately targeted. The trial also heard that it appeared to be a 'policy' of the accused to destroy clothing they had worn, with several items not recovered.
Forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals involved in the disorder based on height, build, clothing, and trainers. The prosecution links Cavanagh, Devine, McIntyre, Campbell, and Gillen to the scene through imagery analysis, including footage filmed by an MTV crew documenting rioting and activities in the Saoradh office.
McIntyre is alleged to have played a 'leading role', gathering items believed to be cartridges after the shooting, while Devine was seen wearing distinctive trainers, tracksuit bottoms, and a US Polo Association cap, linking him to person B in riot footage.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The non-trial opened in May 2024, with Judge Patricia Smyth rejecting a defence application in February that there was no case to answer. Prosecution final submissions began at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, with defendants watching from the dock and Ms McKee's sister Nichola present in the public gallery.
The defence is scheduled to make closing submissions next month, as the trial continues to unfold with detailed evidence and allegations surrounding the tragic events of April 2019.
