Three men found not guilty of journalist Lyra McKee's murder

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: Three men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland more than seven years ago have been found not guilty.

The 29-year-old author died after being shot as she stood close to police vehicles, watching disturbances in the Creggan area of Londonderry in April 2019. Her death shocked the community and garnered widespread media attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and unrest in Northern Ireland.

The New IRA, a dissident republican paramilitary group, claimed responsibility for the killing. This group, which emerged in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, has been associated with various violent acts aimed at undermining the peace process established in the late 1990s. The killing of McKee, who was known for her work in journalism and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, reignited discussions about the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

Peter Cavanagh, 38, of Mary Street in Derry, Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk faced a joint enterprise murder charge. Joint enterprise is a legal doctrine that holds individuals accountable for crimes committed by others if they assisted or encouraged the act. In this case, none of those charged with murder was accused of firing the fatal shot that killed Lyra. The prosecution's case argued that they accompanied a lone gunman to a firing point on the night Lyra was killed and encouraged or assisted him.

However, the defense contended that much of the prosecution's case was based on "pure speculation". The defense argued that the lack of direct evidence linking the defendants to the shooting rendered the prosecution's claims unsubstantiated. When the not guilty verdicts were read out, there was little or no reaction from the three defendants, indicating a complex emotional landscape surrounding the trial.

Footage from MTV

The prosecution's case was partially based on footage from MTV recorded in Derry on the day of the murder. However, the MTV camera crew had left the scene before the shooting occurred. This aspect of the trial raised questions about the reliability of the evidence presented, as the absence of crucial moments captured on film weakened the prosecution's narrative.

During the trial, footage was shown, including conversations between MTV presenter Reggie Yates and several defendants. The prosecution suggested that the disorder which broke out had been deliberately orchestrated by dissident republicans to coincide with MTV's presence, aiming to create a spectacle that would draw attention to their cause. This theory, however, was met with skepticism by the defense and ultimately did not hold up in court.

In the public gallery, friends and relatives of the accused sat on one side, while friends and relatives of Lyra sat on the other. Sara Canning, Lyra's partner, was seated in the front row as the judge delivered her verdicts but left before the end of the hearing, a poignant reminder of the personal toll this trial took on those who loved McKee.

The non-jury trial opened in May 2024 and concluded this April, marking one of the longest trials in recent times in Northern Ireland. The three men accused of murder denied all charges against them and chose not to give evidence during the trial. This decision not to testify is not uncommon in criminal trials, as defendants may choose to avoid the risk of cross-examination.

The judge, Mrs. Justice Smyth, reserved her judgment to give "proper consideration" to all the points raised in the case. Her careful deliberation reflects the complexities involved in cases of this nature, where public sentiment, legal standards, and the pursuit of justice intersect.

'Complete and utter shock'

Speaking outside court, Lyra's sister Nichola Corner expressed that the verdict was a "complete and utter shock". She stated that the "system has completely failed Lyra, our family, and Northern Ireland". Her comments underscore the deep frustrations felt by the victim's family, who have been vocal advocates for justice since the tragic event occurred.

"Over 150 people witnessed what happened - not one came forward," said Nichola. "The culture of silence needs to stop. This is not over; Lyra said if you're going to go down - go down fighting." Her remarks highlight a broader issue in Northern Ireland, where a legacy of violence and fear has often led to a reluctance among witnesses to come forward, significantly complicating the pursuit of justice.

The Public Prosecution Service stated it was "satisfied that our legal test for prosecution was met and that it was in the public interest to bring the case". They acknowledged that today's acquittals would be deeply disappointing to Lyra's family and loved ones, reflecting the challenges faced by prosecutors in securing convictions in cases involving organized violence.

'An act of senseless violence'

At the end of the hearing, Judge Smyth remarked that the outcome of the trial would bring "little, if any, comfort or relief" to Lyra's family and friends. She noted that the gunman who killed her has never been brought to court, emphasizing that "Lyra McKee was murdered in an act of senseless violence". This statement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence that continues to plague communities in Northern Ireland, as well as the need for accountability in cases involving the deaths of journalists and other civilians caught in the crossfire.

In total, nine men were on trial, facing 52 charges, including rioting, all of which were denied. It took the judge more than four hours to read out the verdicts and the reasons behind her conclusions, highlighting the complexity of the case and the extensive legal considerations involved.

While three men were accused of murder, six others from Derry faced additional charges, including rioting. Joseph Barr, 38, of Sandringham Drive, was found not guilty of all charges he faced. Jude McCrory, 28, of Gartan Square, and Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 34, of John Field Place, were also acquitted. Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens, was found guilty of common assault. This mixed outcome reflects the difficulties in proving charges related to public disorder and violence, particularly in a context where community loyalties can complicate witness testimony.

Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Goshaden Cottages, was found not guilty of the charges he faced. Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass, was found guilty of possessing and throwing petrol bombs, as well as rioting. None of the men gave evidence in their defense, and all denied the charges against them. Another defendant, William Patrick Elliott, 58, formerly of Ballymagowan Gardens, Derry, died last year, further complicating the legal proceedings and the quest for justice in this case.

'Grave concern'

Séamus Dooley, of the National Union of Journalists, expressed "grave concern" that no one was charged with the shooting of Lyra McKee, stating that the person who pulled the trigger remains free. He noted, "In this case, someone has gotten away with the murder of a journalist - just as happened in the case of Martin O'Hagan." O'Hagan, a journalist killed in 2001, is often cited as an example of the ongoing risks faced by journalists in Northern Ireland.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Lyra's family, partner, and friends at this incredibly difficult and distressing time," he added. The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved; they touch on the broader issues of press freedom, public safety, and the accountability of those who engage in violence. As Northern Ireland continues to grapple with its past and the remnants of conflict, the unresolved murder of Lyra McKee stands as a poignant reminder of the work that remains to ensure justice and safety for all.