After a lengthy non-jury trial three Derry men have been found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019.
McKee, who was 29 and from Belfast, died after being hit by a bullet as she stood close to police vehicles while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18 that year. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the killing.
The actual shooter has never been identified or apprehended. But the three men on trial did face murder charges.
Jordan Devine (25), of Bishop Street; Paul McIntyre (58), of Kells Walk; and Peter Cavanagh (38), of Mary Street, were all cleared of the journalist’s murder.
The trial has started in May, 2024.
McKee’s family said the verdict at Belfast Crown Court meant the justice system had “completely failed” them and Lyra.
According to the Irish Times, McKee’s family and friends described the verdict as “heartbreaking”. Her sister Nichola Corner said it had come as a “complete and utter shock."
Speaking outside the court, she said: “Previously, the judge has said that each of these defendants had a case to answer, and on numerous occasions today she has said that they probably were the people who were identified.
“However, the evidence did not stand up to the level of scrutiny that she expected to take the case over the line, which means that that system has completely failed Lyra and has failed our family and has failed Northern Ireland.”
Corner called for an end to the “culture of silence” in Northern Ireland.
The trial was notable for the lack of witness testimony even though there was a significant number of people in the near vicinity of the shooting.
McKee, who was described as a "rising star" in journalism, was standing with members of the public close to PSNI officers when a gunman opened fire.
