Court proceedings for the trial of three men involved in the notorious murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry five years prior, involved the playback of video evidence. These visuals captured the fatal gunshot incident that occurred in the vicinity of the Creggan neighbourhood on the evening of April 18, 2019 – a night marred by considerable rioting and chaos, for which the New IRA acknowledged its role.
The individuals facing charges for the 29-year-old’s untimely death are Peter Cavanagh, aged 35, of Mary Street, Derry; Jordan Gareth Devine, aged 23, of Bishop Street, Derry; and Paul McIntyre, aged 56, of Kells Walk, Derry. The allegations against them extend to engaging in a riotous gathering, illegal possession and use of firearms, ammunition, and petrol bombs. Additionally, Mr McIntyre also faces charges related to his allegiance with a banned entity.
An outbreak of violent unrest began in Derry on the night when Ms McKee met her untimely end after law enforcement personnel intervened for scheduled searches.
Court members observed recorded footage from a PSNI surveillance vehicle deployed on Fanad Drive following an attack waged on with petrol bombs.
In his address to the court, prosecutor David McDowell informed the attendees that Ms McKee can be identified witnessing the chaos in the footage.
He elaborated, “The onset of cheering at approximately 2303 hours draws the camera’s attention back to the crossroads’ corner. The first gunshot is heard five seconds thereafter.”
Mr McDowell provided a further account, “Responding to the first gunshot, the surveillance camera then zeros in on a shooter at the corner which was the origin of the police assault.
The footage then registers him taking a second shot with a handgun.”
There were then three unsuccessful firing attempts before the shooter successfully fired off an additional two bullets.
Mr McDowell reported “Only after the firing of the fourth shot, a full 20 seconds after the first, do we hear screaming indicating the bullet’s impact on Ms McKee. This leads us to presume she was hit by one of the final two rounds, quite likely the last one.”
Mr McDowell concluded his address by informing that the driver of the surveillance vehicle noted around 11pm, the crowd shifting their focus towards the direction of the gunshots.
The spokesperson outlined the incident, stating that a gunman fired approximately four shots in the direction of law enforcement vehicles. He also recounted that one woman, who had been near the police Land Rovers, fell to the ground and another woman was heard screaming for aid. Support was extended by both police and the general public.
Barristers brought to light the fact that police personnel in Land Rovers reported hearing the bullets impact their cars. Video footages from a mobile phone obtained by the police were displayed in court. According to Mr McDowell, this video demonstrated that just before the gunfire started, four men with their faces covered approached the site with one brandishing a handgun.
Not long afterwards, an emergency flare was released by the police when it was discovered that Ms McKee had sustained injuries. Despite being hurried to the hospital in a police Land Rover, her death was declared shortly after her admission.