The partner of journalist Lyra McKee, Sara Canning, expressed her hope that McKee's killer will be haunted by his actions. This statement comes after three men were found not guilty of her murder on July 3, 2026, in Londonderry, where McKee was fatally shot during rioting on April 18, 2019.
Details of the Trial and Verdict
On Friday, the jury acquitted Paul McIntyre, Peter Cavanagh, and Jordan Devine of all charges related to McKee's murder, a decision that Canning described as "gutting". She expressed skepticism about ever achieving justice for her late partner, stating that it would require a "massive change of heart" or compelling new evidence.
During the trial, evidence suggested that the accused had accompanied the lone gunman to the firing point but did not fire the fatal shot. The prosecution's case was built on the premise that they encouraged or assisted the gunman during the chaotic events that night.
Impact of McKee's Death
Lyra McKee, a prominent journalist and advocate, was shot while observing riots in the Creggan area. Her death was later claimed by the New IRA, a dissident republican group. Canning criticized the actions of the gunman, calling them "pathetic" and added, "You’ve never contributed one thing to this world. What you did that night was pathetic." She hopes the killer cannot find peace, stating, "I hope it haunts your every waking minute."
