In court, two men, Peter Gearóid Cavanagh and Jordan Devine, denied murdering her. On the night of the shooting, they were also charged with rioting and other offences.
Ms. McKee, who was only 29 years old when she died, was well-known for her investigative journalism and had recently signed a two-book deal. Her death was a tragic loss not only for her family and friends, but for the entire journalism community.
The killing was later claimed by the New IRA, eliciting outrage and condemnation from people across Northern Ireland and beyond. The incident highlighted the region’s ongoing tensions and the danger that exists even decades after the Troubles ended.
The men who appeared in court denied all charges, including intent to possess a handgun and ammunition and causing fire damage to a Ford Transit truck on the night of the shooting. Mr. Cavanagh also denied another charge of truck theft.
Several other co-accused have filed legal claims, which will be heard in May. The judge expressed optimism that a trial date could be set for the fall.
Meanwhile, five other men have been charged with rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the same day Ms. McKee died. The legal proceedings in this case have been going on for a while now, with the judge ruling in January that any issues raised during the preliminary inquiry would be heard during the trial.
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