Belfast Crown Court heard final submissions from the prosecution in the trial of nine men charged over the 2019 killing of journalist Lyra McKee. McKee, 29, died from a bullet wound while observing rioting in Creggan, Londonderry, on April 18, 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the shooting.

Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street in Derry; Jordan Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk face murder charges, which they deny. Six other Derry men stand accused of rioting and throwing petrol bombs: Joseph Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive; Jude McCrory, 28, of Gartan Square; Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Goshaden Cottages; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place; Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens; and Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass. All deny the charges. Defendant William Patrick Elliott, 58, formerly of Ballymagowan Gardens, died during proceedings last year.

Prosecutor David McDowell KC stated that forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals involved in the disorder using height, build, clothing and footwear from CCTV, mobile phone footage and MTV recordings.

McDowell linked McIntyre to person D at the scene through distinctive trainers with lace details, O'Neills tracksuit bottoms, Nike cap, hooded jacket, red Superdry T-shirt, metal bracelet, knuckle tattoo reading 'Paul' and hand tattoo, plus short height and heavy build. The same clothing appeared in footage from days before the shooting, including MTV recordings from April 14 to 18.

Devine connected to person B by Long Kesh shirt, cap, snood, distinctive trainers and tracksuit bottoms seen in prior footage and on the night. Phone texts that evening placed his device at home while he was absent.

Gillen linked to a masked figure near the shooting site by familiar tracksuit, shoes and T-shirt over face, matching prior photos. He called McIntyre four times that night.

McDowell noted missing clothing items from defendants' homes and deliberate disposal by burning, indicating forensic awareness during riots on April 16 and 18. None of the defendants testified.