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January 30th, 1972 remains one of the deadliest – and significant – days in thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Within the community where it happened – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the buildings and embedded in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was conducted on a cold but bright day in Londonderry.

The march was challenging the system of internment – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented in response to an extended period of conflict.

Troops from the specialized division fatally wounded multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly republican area.

One image became especially iconic.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, using a stained with blood white handkerchief as he tried to protect a group moving a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.

Journalists captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records contains Father Daly telling a journalist that soldiers "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the shooting.

The narrative of events was disputed by the initial investigation.

The first investigation determined the Army had been attacked first.

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

In 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that overall, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the victims had posed any threat.

At that time head of state, the leader, apologised in the Parliament – saying deaths were "improper and inexcusable."

Authorities commenced examine the incident.

An ex-soldier, known as the accused, was brought to trial for murder.

Indictments were filed regarding the fatalities of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.

The accused was further implicated of trying to kill several people, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a legal order preserving the defendant's privacy, which his attorneys have argued is essential because he is at threat.

He stated to the examination that he had only fired at individuals who were armed.

That claim was rejected in the final report.

Evidence from the investigation could not be used directly as testimony in the criminal process.

In the dock, the accused was hidden from public using a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in the hearing at a hearing in late 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the allegations were read.

Kin of the deceased on the incident travelled from Derry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the proceedings.

A family member, whose relative was killed, said they were aware that attending the trial would be difficult.

"I can see the events in my mind's eye," John said, as we visited the main locations referenced in the proceedings – from the location, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjacent Glenfada Park, where James Wray and another victim were fatally wounded.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

"I participated in moving the victim and lay him in the medical transport.

"I relived every moment during the evidence.

"Despite having to go through all that – it's still worthwhile for me."