Three men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee seven years ago have been found not guilty. Peter Cavanagh, 38, Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, and Paul McIntyre, 58, faced a joint enterprise murder charge in connection with the 29-year-old author's death in April 2019.

Mckee was shot and killed while observing disturbances in the Creggan area of Londonderry. The New IRA, a dissident republican paramilitary group, claimed responsibility for the killing. The prosecution's case alleged the three defendants accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point and assisted or encouraged the act, though they were not accused of firing the fatal shot.

The defence argued that much of the prosecution's case was based on speculation. Key evidence included footage from an MTV documentary, featuring conversations between presenter Reggie Yates and some defendants. However, the MTV crew had departed the scene before the shooting occurred. The prosecution suggested the disturbances were deliberately orchestrated by dissident republicans to coincide with the MTV presence.

The implications of the acquittals are significant, leaving unanswered questions about accountability for McKee's death. Lyra McKee's sister, Nichola Corner, expressed profound disappointment, stating the verdict represented a "complete and utter shock" and that the "system has completely failed Lyra, our family and Northern Ireland."

The non-jury trial, which began in May 2024 and concluded in April, was one of the longest in recent Northern Ireland history. The three men consistently denied all charges and opted not to testify during the proceedings. Mrs Justice Smyth, the judge, reserved her judgment to thoroughly consider all arguments presented.

Outside the court, Corner highlighted the lack of public cooperation, noting that "Over 150 people have witnessed what happened - not one came forward." She emphasized the urgent need for the "culture of silence" to end, declaring "This is not over."

The Public Prosecution Service stated they were satisfied that the legal test for prosecution was met and that bringing the case to trial was in the public interest. They acknowledged that the acquittals would be "deeply disappointing" to McKee's family and loved ones.

Lyra McKee was an award-winning author and journalist known for her work on social justice issues and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Her death drew widespread condemnation and renewed calls for an end to political violence in Northern Ireland.