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January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the deadliest – and momentous – dates throughout three decades of unrest in this area.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the images of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.

A civil rights march was held on a cold but bright afternoon in Derry.

The demonstration was opposing the practice of detention without trial – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented in response to three years of violence.

Soldiers from the specialized division killed multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a strongly republican community.

A specific visual became notably prominent.

Photographs showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a stained with blood white handkerchief while attempting to shield a assembly transporting a youth, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists recorded considerable film on the day.

Documented accounts includes the priest informing a journalist that troops "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

The narrative of events was rejected by the first inquiry.

The initial inquiry concluded the Army had been fired upon initially.

In the resolution efforts, the administration commissioned another inquiry, in response to advocacy by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

That year, the report by the inquiry said that generally, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.

The contemporary head of state, the leader, expressed regret in the Parliament – stating deaths were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Law enforcement began to look into the matter.

A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for murder.

Indictments were filed over the fatalities of one victim, 22, and twenty-six-year-old William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, more people, another person, and an unknown person.

Remains a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's anonymity, which his attorneys have argued is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He told the examination that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were armed.

This assertion was rejected in the official findings.

Information from the investigation could not be used straightforwardly as proof in the court case.

In the dock, the veteran was shielded from sight using a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a session in late 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the allegations were presented.

Relatives of those who were killed on the incident travelled from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose relative was killed, said they were aware that hearing the proceedings would be emotional.

"I remember the events in my memory," the relative said, as we walked around the key areas discussed in the case – from the location, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where the individual and the second person were died.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I participated in moving Michael and put him in the vehicle.

"I experienced again the entire event during the proceedings.

"Despite having to go through the process – it's still worthwhile for me."