Three men found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in Derry

LAST UPDATE | 44 mins ago

THREE MEN ACCUSED of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have been found not guilty.

Paul McIntyre, 58, Peter Cavanagh, 38 and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, were found not guilty today at Belfast Crown Court.

The ruling followed a lengthy non-jury trial that heard evidence over several months.

McKee, 29, was shot dead while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on 18 April 2019 after a gunman fired towards police.

The New IRA later claimed responsibility for her killing.

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The prosecution alleged the three men jointly participated in the shooting by accompanying and assisting the gunman. They denied the charges.

The trial, which began in May 2024, also heard evidence against six other men accused of offences linked to the rioting on the night McKee was killed.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed solidarity with McKee’s family this morning.

“On a day like this we are reminded of what we have lost,” NUJ assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley said.

“Lyra was a shining star with so much to offer. As this chapter closes we continue to mourn Lyra but will also take time to celebrate her remarkable contribution to journalism.”

Additional reporting from PA

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