Three men are acquitted of the 2019 murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry (Derry), Northern Ireland. McKee, 29, is shot while covering disturbances in the city on 18 April 2019. Reports describe the incident as occurring during clashes involving dissident Irish republicans and police, where McKee is near law enforcement while observing an anti-police riot.
According to the accounts, the case involves allegations that McKee is killed by a shooter linked to a dissident Irish Republican Army (IRA) splinter group. However, the court finds the evidence presented is insufficient to convict. Deutsche Welle reports that Judge Patricia Smyth rules that the standard for a conviction is not met.
Multiple outlets also note reactions to the verdict. McKee’s family expresses disappointment at the acquittals, while the defendants are released from the charges following the court decision.
