Sara Canning, the partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, has delivered an emotional response after three men accused in connection with the killing were cleared of murder charges, saying she hopes the gunman responsible is haunted by his actions for the rest of his life.
Her comments came after a court found Paul McIntyre, Peter Cavanagh and Jordan Devine not guilty of murdering the 29-year-old journalist, bringing to an end a lengthy legal process that lasted nearly two years in court and more than seven years after McKee’s death.
“You Contributed Nothing,” Sara Tells the Killer
Speaking after the verdicts, Canning directed a powerful message at the unidentified gunman who fired the fatal shot during riots in Londonderry on 18 April 2019.
She described him as “pathetic,” accusing him of trying to impress television cameras rather than serving any political cause.
According to Canning, the shooting achieved nothing positive for the people of Derry or Ireland, and she expressed hope that the person responsible would never find peace after taking McKee’s life.
MTV Documentary Crew Mentioned During Trial
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that an MTV documentary crew had been filming events in Derry on the evening of the unrest.
Although the crew left before the fatal shooting, footage played in court captured presenter Reggie Yates suggesting it was time to leave amid concerns that the cameras might be encouraging the disorder.
Reflecting on that evidence, Canning said she believed the gunman was attempting to show off in front of the cameras, dismissing the act as meaningless and cowardly.
Violence Broke Out During Police Operation
The shooting occurred during serious unrest in the Creggan area of Derry after a police operation targeting dissident republican activity.
Crowds gathered, petrol bombs were thrown at police officers, and stolen vehicles were set ablaze.
Amid the chaos, a masked gunman fired four shots toward police vehicles.
One of the bullets struck Lyra McKee in the head as she observed the disturbances near the police line, killing her instantly.
The dissident republican group known as the New IRA later admitted responsibility for the shooting.
Sara Says She Knows Who Fired the Fatal Shot
Although nobody has been convicted of pulling the trigger, Canning said she believes she knows exactly who the gunman is and what he looks like.
Despite that belief, she insisted she refuses to carry the same hatred she associates with the person responsible for McKee’s death.
She acknowledged that securing justice now appears increasingly unlikely unless new evidence emerges or someone involved decides to reveal the truth.
Murder Trial Ends Without Convictions
Nine men originally faced a combined 52 criminal charges linked to the events surrounding McKee’s death, including rioting offences.
One of the defendants died before the case concluded.
The three men charged with murder were not accused of firing the fatal shot.
Instead, prosecutors argued they helped transport and support the lone gunman, assisting him in reaching the location where the shots were fired.
After reviewing the evidence, the court acquitted all three men of murder.
Mrs Justice Smyth, who presided over the case, acknowledged that the verdict would offer little comfort to McKee’s loved ones, describing her death as a senseless act of violence.
Family Left Devastated by the Outcome
Canning admitted the lengthy court proceedings had given her hope that justice might finally be achieved.
She said the acquittals left that hope shattered, even though she respected the judge’s decision.
At the same time, she felt the family had not been adequately prepared for the possibility that the prosecution might fail.
In her view, the justice system has ultimately failed Lyra McKee.
Prosecutors and Police Consider Next Steps
Following the verdicts, the Public Prosecution Service said it remained confident there had been sufficient evidence to justify bringing the case to trial and that pursuing the prosecution was in the public interest.
The agency also acknowledged that the acquittals would be deeply painful for McKee’s family and those closest to her.
Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it would carefully assess the implications of the verdicts before deciding on any future investigative steps, while extending its sympathies to McKee’s family and friends.
Remembering Lyra McKee’s Legacy
Lyra McKee was widely regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s brightest young journalists.
Originally from Belfast, she had recently relocated to Derry before her death.
Her work appeared in several respected publications, including BuzzFeed, Private Eye, The Atlantic and Mosaic Science.
She was recognised as Sky News Young Journalist of the Year in 2006 and was later included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious “30 Under 30” list for European media professionals.
Often describing herself as a member of the generation shaped by the Good Friday Agreement, McKee became a symbol of hope for a peaceful Northern Ireland.
Her death, which came 21 years after the landmark peace accord, shocked communities across the island and remains one of the country’s most painful reminders of the enduring threat posed by dissident paramilitary violence.
