Home / Crime and Justice / McKee Murder Trial: All Nine Accused Stay Silent
McKee Murder Trial: All Nine Accused Stay Silent
11 Mar
Summary
- Nine defendants in Lyra McKee's murder trial will not give evidence.
- The New IRA admitted responsibility for the 2019 murder.
- The trial will proceed to final submissions on March 25th.
The Lyra McKee murder trial has reached a critical juncture, with all nine defendants opting not to give evidence. Journalist Lyra McKee was fatally shot in April 2019 while observing riots in Londonderry's Creggan area. The New IRA subsequently claimed responsibility for the 29-year-old's death.
Three individuals—Peter Cavanagh, Jordan Devine, and Paul McIntyre—are charged with murder. Six other men from Londonderry face charges including rioting and throwing a petrol bomb. All nine have pleaded not guilty to the accusations. The court was informed on Wednesday that no defense evidence would be presented.
Mrs Justice Smyth informed the barristers that their clients could testify, but warned that failure to do so or refusal to answer questions could lead to adverse inferences by the court. Following confirmation from all nine legal teams that their clients would not testify, the judge announced the case would move to final submissions. The trial is scheduled to reconvene on March 25th.
