local
3 men acquitted in killing of journalist shot while covering Northern Ireland protest
By Brian Melley, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
The acquittal of three men in the killing of journalist Lyra McKee serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of seeking justice in cases involving violent protests and paramilitary groups. For Alamo Heights residents, this story may seem distant, but it highlights the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable. McKee's work chronicling the legacy of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland has parallels to the role local journalists play in covering protests and community events in the San Antonio area. The fact that McKee was shot while covering a riot underscores the risks journalists take to inform the public. As the community in Northern Ireland continues to grapple with the aftermath of McKee's death, Alamo Heights residents can appreciate the value of a robust and independent local press in their own community, and the need to support journalists who work to shed light on important issues.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights 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) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Brian Melley, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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