Home / Crime and Justice / Justice Denied? Three Acquitted in Lyra McKee Murder Trial
Justice Denied? Three Acquitted in Lyra McKee Murder Trial
3 Jul
Summary
- Three men were found not guilty of Lyra McKee's murder.
- Lyra McKee's family expressed shock and demanded further action.
- A 'culture of silence' was cited as hindering justice for victims.
Three men, Paul McIntyre, Peter Cavanagh, and Jordan Gareth Devine, have been found not guilty of the murder of Northern Irish journalist Lyra McKee. The verdict was delivered by Judge Mrs Justice Smyth in Belfast Crown Court following a lengthy non-jury trial.
Lyra McKee's family stated they were in complete shock and that the system had failed them and Northern Ireland. They pledged to leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice, emphasizing their commitment to fighting for Lyra.
The family's sister called for an end to the "culture of silence" in Northern Ireland, highlighting that over 150 witnesses to the event had not come forward with evidence. She stressed that this silence is unfair to victims and needs to stop.
Mckee, aged 29, was tragically killed on April 18, 2019, in Londonderry after being struck by a bullet while observing disturbances. The New IRA later claimed responsibility for her death, stating that shots were fired towards police vehicles amidst petrol bombings and a car fire.
The prosecution's case was that the acquitted men had accompanied the gunman and provided assistance. However, defence barristers had challenged the circumstantial nature of the evidence presented.
