A Belfast Crown Court judge has found three men—Jordan Devine, Paul McIntyre, and Peter Cavanagh—not guilty of the 2019 murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Judge Smyth, sitting without a jury, ruled that the evidence provided did not meet the legal threshold for conviction. The verdict has drawn sharp criticism from the McKee family, who described the justice system as having “completely failed” them.
Why did the court acquit the defendants?
The acquittal of Jordan Devine (25), Paul McIntyre (58), and Peter Cavanagh (38) followed a trial that began in May 2024. According to the judgment delivered by Judge Smyth, the prosecution’s case lacked the evidence required to secure a conviction. While the judge noted that she had said on numerous occasions that the defendants probably were the people who were identified, she stated that the evidence did not “stand up to the level of scrutiny” necessary to take the case over the line.
The court acknowledged that the gunman responsible for the killing has never been brought to the court. Judge Smyth described the death of the 29-year-old journalist as an act of “senseless violence,” noting that the evidence against those accused of assisting or encouraging the shooting fell short of that required for conviction.
Lyra McKee was observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18, 2019, when she was struck by a bullet. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the killing.
How has the family responded to the verdict?
Nichola Corner, the sister of Lyra McKee, expressed profound disappointment following the court’s decision. Speaking outside the court, Corner stated that the verdict was a “complete and utter shock.” She emphasized that the family intends to continue their pursuit of justice, citing McKee’s own philosophy: “If you’re going to go down, go down fighting.”
Corner also issued a public call for an end to the “culture of silence” in Northern Ireland. She noted that more than 150 people witnessed the violence on the night of April 18, 2019, yet not a single witness came forward with evidence that could have supported the police case and the prosecution’s case. According to the family, this reluctance to provide information remains a significant barrier to achieving accountability for the murder.
What are the broader implications for press freedom?
Reporters Without Borders issued a statement following the verdict, urging authorities to continue to pursue all legal avenues to establish accountability and ensure that those responsible for Lyra’s death are brought to justice. The organization asserted that journalists cannot work freely and safely if those who kill members of the press can do so with impunity.
The tragedy significantly impacted Northern Ireland’s political landscape in 2019. The killing led to pressure being exerted on politicians to resume stalled talks to restore the then suspended powersharing institutions at Stormont. Prominent political figures, including Michael D. Higgins, Leo Varadkar, and Theresa May, attended McKee’s funeral to pay their respects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Lyra McKee? Lyra McKee was a journalist from Belfast known for her work, including the book Angels with Blue Faces and a blog post titled “Letter to my 14-year-old self.”
- Why were the men found not guilty? The judge ruled that the evidence against those accused of assisting or encouraging had fallen short of that required for conviction.
- Who claimed responsibility for the killing? The New IRA claimed responsibility for the killing.
- What happens next for the case? The family of Lyra McKee has vowed to continue fighting for justice.
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