Lyra McKee: £20,000 reward offered for information on Derry journalist’s killer

Lyra McKee: £20,000 reward offered for information on Derry journalist’s killer The 29-year-old was shot dead in April 2019 while observing a disturbance in Derry - Bookmark Crimestoppers is again offering a £20,000 reward for information about the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Ms McKee, 29, died on 18 April 2019 after being shot while observing a disturbance in the Creggan area of Derry. She was standing close to police vehicles at the time. Three men were found not guilty of her murder following a trial earlier in July. Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk in Derry, Peter Cavanagh, 38, of Mary Street, and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, faced a joint enterprise murder charge. No one has ever been charged with firing the gun in the incident. Following the trial, Ms McKee’s sister Nichola Corner called for an end to the “culture of silence” in Northern Ireland which meant people did not come forward with information about the killing. On Friday morning, the Police Service of Northern Ireland issued a renewed appeal for information in the case. The appeal is being supported by the independent charity Crimestoppers, which is offering a renewed reward of up to £20,000 for information given directly to the charity that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Crimestoppers had previously offered such a reward, but that lapsed earlier this month, according to The Times. Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller said that Ms McKee’s family deserve answers. “My thoughts remain, above all else, with Lyra’s loving family and friends,” she said. “Her murder robbed them of a much-loved daughter, sister, partner, friend and colleague, and they have had to live with the pain of that loss every day since. “No family should have to endure this ongoing torment. They deserve answers. They deserve to see those responsible held accountable. “For more than seven years, detectives have worked tirelessly and with determination, to bring those responsible for this senseless and devastating murder to justice. “That commitment has not weakened with time; it remains as strong today as it was on the day Lyra was killed.” She welcomed the Crimestoppers reward, and added: “In particular, we are seeking information on the gunman who carried out this senseless killing. “I know there are people who have information but may feel unable, reluctant or frightened to come forward. “I am appealing directly to you, please take this opportunity to do the right thing. Your information, however small or unimportant it may seem, could be the missing piece that helps us deliver justice for Lyra and her family. “People’s circumstances change. Allegiances change. The reasons that may once have stopped someone speaking to police may no longer apply. We remain ready to listen, and we will treat every piece of information with the seriousness it deserves.” She said: “Lyra’s murder caused deep hurt and lasting trauma — not only for those who loved her, but across the wider community. The condemnation of her killing was unequivocal, and the impact of that terrible night is still felt today. “If you know something, I urge you not to carry that information any longer. Please come forward. Make the call. Help us provide the answers Lyra’s family have waited far too long to receive.” Information can be given, with 100 per cent anonymity, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. It can also be provided to police online at www.reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals or by calling 101.