Three men have been found not guilty of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry in 2019. Judge Mrs Justice Smyth delivered her judgment on Thursday at Belfast Crown Court, concluding the long-running non-jury trial.
Defendants Acquitted of Joint Enterprise Murder Charge
Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk in Derry, Peter Cavanagh, 38, of Mary Street, and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, were all charged with murder under joint enterprise. The judge found them not guilty, bringing an end to proceedings that have lasted several years.
Ms McKee, a 29-year-old journalist, died after being struck by a bullet while observing disturbances in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18, 2019. She was standing close to police vehicles when the incident occurred.
Details of the Night of the Shooting
On the night of the killing, several petrol bombs had been thrown at police and a car was set on fire during chaotic scenes. The violence culminated in four shots being fired towards officers, one of which fatally hit Ms McKee. The New IRA later claimed responsibility for her death.
According to the Press Association, the trial has been closely watched, with the verdict marking a significant moment in the case. The judge's ruling means that no one has been convicted for the murder of Lyra McKee in this trial.
