Three men charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have been forensically linked to the scene through distinctive clothing and physical characteristics, a Belfast Crown Court heard today. The prosecution presented detailed evidence connecting the defendants to the fatal shooting that occurred during violent disturbances in Londonderry nearly five years ago.
Charges and Defendants in the High-Profile Case
The 29-year-old Belfast journalist tragically lost her life after being struck by a bullet while observing rioting near police vehicles in the Creggan area of Londonderry on April 18, 2019. The paramilitary organization New IRA subsequently claimed responsibility for her death. Three Londonderry men now face murder charges: Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street; Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk.
These three defendants are additionally charged with offenses related to the shooting incident and the widespread civil disorder that engulfed the area. Six other men from Londonderry are simultaneously standing trial for charges including participation in rioting and the throwing of petrol bombs during the same events.
Additional Defendants Facing Rioting Charges
The six men accused of rioting and related offenses are: Joseph Patrick Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive; Jude Forest Coffey, 28, of Gartan Square; Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Gosheden Cottages; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place; Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass; and Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens. Notably, another individual originally charged with rioting and petrol bomb offenses died during earlier trial proceedings last year.
Forensic Analysis and Evidentiary Connections
Prosecuting barrister David McDowell KC outlined how forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller successfully identified nineteen individuals involved in the disorder through meticulous examination of height, build, clothing, and footwear characteristics. The prosecution contends that Cavanagh, Devine, and McIntyre, along with defendants Campbell and Gillen, can be definitively connected to the scene through comprehensive analysis of imagery captured on April 18.
This evidentiary material includes previously unreleased footage filmed by an MTV documentary crew present during the shooting incident. Mr. McDowell emphasized that those participating in rioting on both April 16 and April 18 demonstrated what he termed "forensic awareness" by systematically burning clothing items to destroy potential evidence.
Missing Clothing and Deliberate Disposal
The prosecution highlighted several missing articles of clothing associated with specific defendants that were neither recovered during police searches nor subsequently produced. This absence, Mr. McDowell argued, strongly suggests these items were "deliberately disposed of" to obstruct the investigation. He characterized this pattern of evidence destruction as an "important strand in this case" that supports the prosecution's overall narrative.
The courtroom proceedings saw the defendants occupying the dock while Ms. McKee's sister, Nichola, observed from the public gallery alongside other spectators. As the prosecution completed its summation, the judge confirmed that the trial will continue with further hearings scheduled in the coming days.
