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January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the deadliest – and momentous – occasions throughout multiple decades of violence in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of that fateful day are painted on the walls and seared in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear day in Londonderry.

The march was challenging the system of internment – detaining individuals without due process – which had been established after an extended period of conflict.

Troops from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly republican population.

A specific visual became notably prominent.

Images showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, using a blood-stained cloth in his effort to protect a assembly transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists documented considerable film on the day.

Documented accounts includes Fr Daly telling a media representative that soldiers "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

This account of what happened wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The first investigation determined the military had been fired upon initially.

During the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government established a fresh examination, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

That year, the conclusion by the investigation said that overall, the military personnel had fired first and that zero among the individuals had been armed.

At that time head of state, the Prime Minister, expressed regret in the House of Commons – saying deaths were "improper and unjustifiable."

Law enforcement started to look into the matter.

One former paratrooper, referred to as the accused, was charged for murder.

Accusations were made concerning the deaths of one victim, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

Soldier F was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

Remains a judicial decision protecting the soldier's identity protection, which his attorneys have claimed is necessary because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the examination that he had only fired at individuals who were carrying weapons.

That claim was rejected in the final report.

Material from the inquiry could not be used directly as proof in the criminal process.

In court, the accused was hidden from public with a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the first time in the proceedings at a session in late 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the accusations were read.

Family members of those who were killed on that day made the trip from the city to Belfast Crown Court each day of the case.

A family member, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they were aware that listening to the trial would be painful.

"I visualize all details in my recollection," John said, as we examined the main locations mentioned in the case – from the street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjacent the area, where the individual and William McKinney were died.

"It even takes me back to my location that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived the entire event during the proceedings.

"Notwithstanding having to go through all that – it's still valuable for me."