He also concluded that evidence suggested that “some sporadic rounds were fired” earlier in the evening and rejected the “civilian case that not one round had been fired on the 9th of July”.
The court heard that four of the five people killed were shot by the same soldier, and two were killed by the same bullet.
Mr Justice Scoffield concluded that “Solider A did not have an honest belief” that he was under immediate danger “or attack” from any of the individuals.
He said the “force used was not reasonable” and that it was “not in compliance with the yellow card” in the Army’s rules of engagement.
No warning was given before the shootings.
The coroner said Fr Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, and Margaret Gargan were “wholly innocent victims” and David McCafferty was “regarded as an innocent victim”.
He said while John Dougal’s conduct prior to his death “remains unclear and suspicious”, he “should not have been shot, having been shot in the back while retreating”.
In a statement following the verdict, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said they acknowledged the coroner’s findings and were “considering them carefully”.
“We remain firmly committed to supporting our veterans and to the delivery of truth, recovery, reconciliation, and closure.”