Lyra McKee Murder Trial: Defense Claims Shots Could Have Been Fired for Propaganda

Defense attorneys in the Lyra McKee murder trial suggested Monday that the fatal shots that killed the 29-year-old journalist in 2019 may have been fired as a propaganda exercise rather than with intent to cause physical harm.

During closing defense submissions at Belfast Crown Court, lawyers argued that police Land Rovers—which were bulletproofed—were the intended targets of the shooting that claimed McKee’s life while she observed rioting in the Creggan area of Londonderry.

John Kearney KC told the court there is still “substantial harm from staging propaganda” and suggested that given the context of an MTV film crew being in the area that day, the shots could have been fired for “publicity purposes,” though “not for fun.” Kearney emphasized this as important contextual background to the disorder that night.

The New IRA previously admitted responsibility for McKee’s murder, which occurred during a burst of gunfire that reportedly lasted about 30 seconds.

Three men are currently on trial for her murder: Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street; Jordan Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk—all from Derry. Each has denied the murder charges against them.

In addition to the murder defendants, six other men from Derry face related charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs. They are Joseph Barr, 37; Jude McCrory, 28; Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33; Kieran George McCool, 57; and Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45. All six have entered not guilty pleas to the charges. An eighth defendant, William Patrick Elliott, 58, died last year.

None of the defendants chose to testify in their own defense during the trial.

The defense team for Peter Cavanagh addressed forensic evidence presented by prosecutors, specifically DNA found on the zip of a burned jacket discovered near where a hijacked car used during the riot had been abandoned. Kearney suggested there could have been “an innocent transfer of DNA” through various means including touch transfer, aerosol, sneezing, talking, or shouting—all mechanisms that could account for primary DNA transfer from Cavanagh to the coat.

Christopher Gillen’s defense team also presented final submissions on Monday. His barrister, Kieran Mallon KC, challenged the prosecution’s case against his client, telling the court: “This case is all about clothing identification against my client.” Mallon argued that connecting items of clothing seen in images presented to the court with his client was not just “one bridge too far but four bridges too far.” He further maintained there was “no forensic link” between trousers seized from Gillen’s home and Gillen himself.

McKee’s murder sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland and the journalism community. The young reporter was considered a rising star in investigative journalism and had signed a two-book deal with publisher Faber & Faber shortly before her death. She was named Sky News Young Journalist of the Year in 2006 and was featured in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list.

Her death occurred during a turbulent period in Northern Ireland and came amid growing concerns about increased paramilitary activity in certain areas. The killing drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum and led to calls for greater efforts toward maintaining peace in the region.

The trial has drawn significant attention across Northern Ireland and beyond, highlighting ongoing tensions that continue to affect communities more than two decades after the Good Friday Agreement. McKee’s killing represented one of the most high-profile acts of violence in Northern Ireland in recent years.

Defense submissions in the case continue, with the trial expected to conclude in the coming weeks.