Lyra McKee Murder Trial: Key Developments and Ongoing Proceedings
The trial of three men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 2019, continues to unfold, with the prosecution presenting evidence linking the accused to the scene through clothing and physical features. The case, which has drawn significant attention, centers around the death of the 29-year-old journalist who was fatally shot while observing rioting in the Creggan area on April 18th, 2019. The Recent IRA claimed responsibility for her death.
The Accused and the Charges
Three men from Derry have been charged with McKee’s murder: Peter Cavanagh (37), of Mary Street; Jordan Gareth Devine (25), of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre (58), of Kells Walk. They also face additional charges related to the shooting and the rioting that occurred that night.
Prosecution’s Case and Evidence Presented
The prosecution argues that the three accused accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point and either encouraged or assisted him. Recent court proceedings have focused on forensic image analysis, with prosecutor David McDowell stating that analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals involved in the disorder based on height, build, clothing, and trainers.
Evidence presented includes footage from an MTV crew filming in the Saoradh office and during the rioting. The prosecution alleges Cavanagh, Devine, McIntyre, and Joseph Anthony Campbell and Christopher Joseph Gillen can be linked to the scene through this imagery.
The prosecution also highlighted what they describe as “forensic awareness” displayed by those involved in the rioting, noting the burning of clothing and the subsequent lack of discovery of associated items during searches. This, they contend, suggests a deliberate attempt to dispose of evidence.
Specific Evidence Against the Accused
The prosecution detailed specific clothing items and physical characteristics linking Paul McIntyre to a person identified in riot footage, including distinctive trainers, a hooded jacket, a red Superdry T-shirt, and tattoos. Jordan Gareth Devine was linked to the scene through distinctive trainers, tracksuit bottoms, and a US Polo Association cap.
Both McIntyre and Devine have declined to provide evidence in their defense.
Other Defendants and Trial Timeline
Six other Derry men are also on trial on charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs: Joseph Patrick Barr (37), Jude Forest Coffey (28), Joseph Anthony Campbell (25), Patrick Anthony Gallagher (33), Christopher Joseph Gillen (45), and Kieran George McCool (57). Another man initially accused of similar charges died during the trial proceedings last year.
The trial commenced in May 2024. In February, Judge Patricia Smyth dismissed a defense application for no case to answer. Proceedings resumed at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, with the prosecution delivering its closing arguments.
The trial continues.
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