Three men found not guilty of Lyra McKee murder in 2019

Three men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland more than seven years ago have been found not guilty.

Paul McIntyre, 58, Peter Cavanagh, 38 and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, were found not guilty at Belfast Crown Court.

The 29-year-old author and journalist died as she stood close to police vehicles, watching disturbances in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for her death.

The prosecution alleged the three men jointly participated in the shooting by accompanying and assisting the gunmen. They denied the charges.

The trial began in May 2024, and heard evidence against six other men accused of offences linked to the rioting on the night McKee was killed.

McKee was a member of the National Union of Journalists. The NUJ was represented at the hearing by Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary, and Kevin Cooper, Belfast and District branch acting chair.

"This has been a traumatic period for the family, partner and friends of Lyra," said Cooper.

"Our thoughts are with them all, especially Lyra's family, who have been tenacious in demanding justice for Lyra. They have waited for a long time for judgement in this case and over two years have had to listen to the most awful, chilling evidence."