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January 30th, 1972 is remembered as among the most deadly – and consequential – days in multiple decades of conflict in the region.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the memories of the tragic events are painted on the buildings and etched in public consciousness.

A public gathering was held on a chilly yet clear day in Derry.

The march was challenging the system of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without trial – which had been implemented in response to three years of violence.

Soldiers from the elite army unit killed multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a strongly republican community.

A particular photograph became particularly memorable.

Pictures showed a religious figure, the priest, waving a stained with blood fabric while attempting to defend a group transporting a youth, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Media personnel captured much footage on the day.

The archive includes the priest telling a reporter that military personnel "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

That version of what happened was rejected by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the military had been shot at first.

In the negotiation period, the administration established a new investigation, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that overall, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that zero among the individuals had presented danger.

At that time head of state, the leader, expressed regret in the House of Commons – stating fatalities were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

The police commenced examine the incident.

A military veteran, identified as the defendant, was brought to trial for homicide.

Indictments were filed regarding the deaths of James Wray, 22, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

The accused was also accused of trying to kill several people, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

There is a court ruling preserving the soldier's privacy, which his attorneys have maintained is necessary because he is at threat.

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

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Material from the investigation was unable to be used immediately as testimony in the court case.

In the dock, the accused was hidden from public using a privacy screen.

He made statements for the first time in the proceedings at a hearing in that month, to answer "not guilty" when the allegations were read.

Kin of the victims on that day travelled from Derry to the courthouse each day of the proceedings.

One relative, whose relative was died, said they were aware that attending the proceedings would be difficult.

"I can see the events in my mind's eye," John said, as we examined the primary sites discussed in the case – from the street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the adjoining the courtyard, where one victim and another victim were killed.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

"I helped to carry the victim and put him in the medical transport.

"I went through the entire event during the proceedings.

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