local
3 men acquitted in killing of journalist shot while covering Northern Ireland protest
By Brian Melley, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
Three men were acquitted of murder Friday in the 2019 killing of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee, who was shot by a member of a dissident Irish Republican Army splinter group while covering a riot in Northern Ireland.Justice Patricia Smyth regretted that her verdict would bring “little if any comfo...
Key takeaway “Lyra McKee’s murder was an act of senseless violence," Smyth said.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The acquittal of three men in the killing of journalist Lyra McKee is a stark reminder that the pursuit of justice can be elusive, even in cases where the facts seem clear. For residents of Terrell Hills , this story may seem distant, but it highlights the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable. McKee's reporting on the challenges faced by her generation in Northern Ireland serves as a testament to the impact that journalists can have in giving voice to marginalized communities. In our own community, we rely on local journalists to cover city government, schools, and public safety, and it is crucial that we support and protect their work. The outcome of this case is a sobering reminder that the work of journalists is not without risk, and that those who seek to silence them must be held accountable.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Three men were acquitted of murder Friday in the 2019 killing of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee, who was shot by a member of a dissident Irish Republican Army splinter group while covering a riot in Northern Ireland.Justice Patricia Smyth regretted that her verdict would bring “little if any comfo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Brian Melley, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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