local
3 men acquitted in killing of journalist shot while covering Northern Ireland protest
By BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
LONDON (AP) — 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 “litt...
Key takeaway Justice Patricia Smyth regretted that her verdict would bring “little if any comfort or relief” [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
The acquittal of three men in the killing of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee may seem like a distant event, but its implications resonate in Odessa , where the safety of journalists and the public's right to information are just as crucial. As a community that values transparency and accountability, particularly in its own city government and public safety initiatives, the McKee case serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists take to report on sensitive topics. In Odessa, where local news outlets work to cover protests, riots, and other high-pressure events, the killing of a journalist while doing their job is a sobering reminder of the potential dangers faced by those who work to keep the public informed. The community's support for its local journalists and their work is essential in ensuring that they can continue to provide accurate and unbiased reporting without fear of reprisal.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa 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 Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LONDON (AP) — 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 “litt...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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