Prosecutors at Belfast Crown Court identified Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street in Derry, as one of three men charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. The 29-year-old died from a gunshot during a riot in the Creggan area of Londonderry on April 18, 2019. Mobile phone footage shown in court captured the shots fired toward police vehicles.

David McDowell KC, the prosecuting barrister, stated Cavanagh appeared in the video wearing a camouflage mask, bomber jacket, skinny jeans and dark Nike trainers. Cavanagh walked briskly behind the gunman and positioned himself in the road's middle to face the crowd. McDowell said Cavanagh acted with responsibility, as if managing the crowd, and moved toward the gunman after the shots to assist while others retrieved items from the ground.

McDowell told the court Cavanagh joined the group with purpose and belonged to the shooting party. The New IRA claimed responsibility for McKee's death. Jordan Devine, 25, of Bishop Street in Derry, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk in the city, face the same murder charge. All three deny the accusation.

Prosecutors noted the accused followed a practice of discarding clothes worn that night, including burning gloves and jackets. Cavanagh's DNA appeared on a zip pull from burned clothing linked to his bomber jacket. None of the three gave evidence.

Six other Derry men stand trial on charges of rioting and throwing a petrol bomb: 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. They deny the charges. William Patrick Elliott, 58, a former defendant from Ballymagowan Gardens, died last year.

The prosecution finished its closing arguments over two days. Defence submissions follow next month.