Three Men Accused of Lyra McKee's Murder Linked to Scene by Clothing and Features
Three men from Derry charged with the murder of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee have been linked to the scene through clothing and physical features, a court in Belfast has been told. The trial, which opened in May 2024, resumed with the prosecution summing up their case against the defendants.
Details of the Charges and Defendants
Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street; Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk, all from Derry, are charged with the murder of Lyra McKee. They also face other charges related to the shooting and rioting that occurred on 18 April 2019. McKee, 29, was hit by a bullet while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry, close to police vehicles, and died from her injuries. The New IRA claimed responsibility for her death.
In addition to the three accused of murder, six other Derry men are on trial for charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs. They are 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. All nine men deny the charges. Another man accused of rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the night of the murder died during trial proceedings last year.
Prosecution's Evidence and Claims
The prosecution, led by barrister David McDowell KC, argued that the three men accused of murder accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point on the night and encouraged or assisted him. Forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals by height, build, clothing, and trainers who appeared involved in the disorder. McDowell stated that Cavanagh, Devine, McIntyre, Campbell, and Gillen could be linked to the scene through analysis of imagery, including footage filmed by an MTV crew on the day of the shooting.
McDowell contended that those involved in rioting on 16 and 18 April displayed forensic awareness by burning clothing. He described McIntyre as playing a leading role, spotted close to the gunman, and linked to person D in footage through distinctive attire: trainers with lace adornment, a hooded jacket, a red Superdry T-shirt, O'Neill tracksuit bottoms, a Nike cap, and a metal bracelet, along with his short height and heavy build. McIntyre also has his name, Paul, tattooed on his knuckles and a distinctive tattoo on his left hand.
Devine was linked to person B in riot footage through distinctive trainers, tracksuit bottoms, and a US Polo Association cap. Both McIntyre and Devine declined to give evidence to account for the evidence against them. The prosecution emphasized that the clothing and physical features provided overwhelming links to the scene.
Court Proceedings and Background
The trial opened in May 2024, and in February, Judge Patricia Smyth rejected a defence application that there was no case to answer due to insufficient evidence. Proceedings resumed at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday morning, with defendants filling the dock as the prosecution presented their case. McKee's sister, Nichola, was among those watching from the public gallery.
The case continues as the court examines the evidence further, with the prosecution relying on forensic analysis and imagery to establish connections between the accused and the events of 18 April 2019. The trial highlights the ongoing legal efforts to address the violence that led to McKee's death and the broader context of rioting in Derry.
