£20,000 reward offered as detectives make fresh appeal over Lyra McKee murder

Lyra McKee, 29, was killed after being shot by terrorists on 18 April 2019

Detectives investigating the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have renewed their appeal for information more than seven years after she was shot dead during disorder in Derry/Londonderry, as an independent charity offers a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to those responsible being brought to justice.

The renewed appeal is backed by the independent charity Crimestoppers, which is offering the reward for information given directly to the charity that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Lyra McKee, 29, was killed after being shot by terrorists on 18 April 2019, a murder that prompted widespread condemnation across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller, from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, said the determination to secure justice for Lyra and her family remains undiminished.

“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.”

She said detectives have continued working on the investigation since Lyra’s death.

“For more than seven years, detectives have worked tirelessly and with determination, to bring those responsible for this senseless and devastating murder to justice,” Detective Chief Inspector Miller said.

“That commitment has not weakened with time; it remains as strong today as it was on the day Lyra was killed.

“I very much welcome the Crimestoppers renewed reward of up to £20,000 for information given directly to them which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Importantly, the charity guarantees total anonymity.”

Lyra McKee, 29, was killed after being shot by terrorists on 18 April 2019

The detective said investigators remain particularly keen to identify the gunman responsible for the fatal shooting.

“I know there are people who have information but may feel unable, reluctant or frightened to come forward,” she said.

“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 added that Lyra’s death continued to have a profound impact on those closest to her and the wider community.

“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.”

Crimestoppers said anyone contacting the charity remains 100% anonymous. Calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display or 1471 facility, and computer IP addresses cannot be traced.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Information can also be provided directly to the PSNI online at www.reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals or by calling 101.

The renewed appeal reflects the ongoing effort to identify everyone responsible for Lyra McKee’s murder and bring a case that continues to resonate across Northern Ireland to a conclusion.