In a significant ruling, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, referred to as Soldier F, has been found not guilty of murdering James Wray and William McKinney during the Bloody Sunday events in 1972. The incident, which occurred during a civil rights demonstration in Londonderry, resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals and injuries to at least 15 others.
The trial, held at Belfast Crown Court, saw the judge, Patrick Lynch, remark that while soldiers had shot at unarmed civilians, the evidence presented against Soldier F did not meet the legal standard required for conviction.
Among those responding to the verdict, William McKinney's brother, Mickey, expressed a mixture of pride in the families' achievements in pursuit of justice over the years, while others noted it marked an end of the prosecution process for Soldier F.
Liam Wray, brother of another victim, acknowledged the emotional toll this verdict has taken while recognizing the judge's tough position. He highlighted the continued trauma associated with recalling the events of Bloody Sunday.
Political leaders reacted strongly to the ruling. First Minister Michelle O’Neill called the outcome deeply disappointing, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice faced by the victims’ families. Conversely, leaders from unionist parties hailed the verdict, framing it as a necessary recognition of the complexities surrounding the legacy of the Troubles.
David Johnstone, Northern Ireland’s veterans’ commissioner, noted the enduring pain inflicted on families affected by the Troubles and emphasized the need to honor and support those who served during that conflict.
The verdict of not guilty for Soldier F does not close the chapter on the Bloody Sunday case. It renews discussions on how Northern Ireland reconciles its tumultuous past and seeks a path forward that acknowledges the pain of the past while aiming for a more peaceful future.
