Murder Trial Hears Accused Told Victim's Family About Finding Body at Wake
A man accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend recounted finding her body to her grieving family at her wake, a court has been told. Stephen McCullagh, 35, is on trial for the murder of Natalie McNally, who was stabbed at her home in Lurgan in December 2022 while 15 weeks pregnant.
Family Testimony Details Wake Conversation
Natalie McNally's parents, Noel and Bernadette, along with her brothers Declan and Brendan, gave evidence at Belfast Crown Court. They described how McCullagh allegedly spoke at length during the wake on Christmas Day, shortly after his release from police custody.
Noel McNally testified that McCullagh told a continuous story about his actions leading up to the discovery. "I think he started to tell us he was doing the gaming, to when he found the body – it was just one long story," Mr. McNally said. "I don't think anyone interrupted him during that time."
McCullagh's Account of Events
According to the family's testimony, McCullagh claimed he became concerned when Ms. McNally failed to respond to his messages. He reportedly told them he thought she might be angry with him for drinking or experiencing diabetic hypoglycemia.
Noel McNally stated that McCullagh said he purchased Lucozade on the way to her Silverwood Green home and texted her upon arrival, asking her to come to the window to signal she was okay. When there was no response, he entered the house.
"He said when he went into Ms. McNally's house, he saw her Alsatian dog River stand up and he then saw Ms. McNally lying at the top of the stairs," Mr. McNally told the court. McCullagh allegedly then called emergency services, informed them she was pregnant, and was instructed to place a cushion under her.
Defence Challenges Family's Recollection
Defence barrister John Kearney KC questioned the accuracy of the family's memories. He suggested McCullagh may have said he intended to text Ms. McNally rather than actually sending a message while at her house.
Mr. Kearney also asked about details regarding the dog's movements and whether McCullagh had mentioned ringing the doorbell. Noel McNally maintained his version of events, stating, "That's not what he told me, no."
Allegations About Police Treatment
The court heard that McCullagh expressed reluctance to cooperate with police, claiming he had been mistreated during his arrest. Noel McNally testified that McCullagh said he was "stripped," had his genitals swabbed by two female officers, and was placed in a cell for hours.
"He said when he was arrested, he told one of the policemen 'I never killed Natalie' and the policeman had 'laughed in his face'," Mr. McNally recounted.
Alternative Theories and Additional Details
Declan McNally testified that McCullagh mentioned Ms. McNally's ex-boyfriend multiple times, suggesting he might be responsible. McCullagh allegedly described receiving a video about narcissism and control, theorizing the ex-boyfriend could have killed her in a rage upon learning of her pregnancy.
Brendan McNally provided further details about McCullagh's account of his communications with Ms. McNally. He said McCullagh claimed to have texted her at 6 p.m. on Sunday about starting a livestream, then messaged throughout Monday without receiving responses.
Media Attention and Emotional Outburst
Noel McNally also testified about McCullagh's preoccupation with media coverage of the case. "He said his 'heart sank' when he noticed that it was dropping down the 'most interest' sections," Mr. McNally stated. McCullagh allegedly expressed frustration that the story wasn't receiving more prominent coverage, calling it an "international story" during what was described as an emotional outburst.
Trial Proceedings Continue
The evidence presented on Tuesday was published after the judge lifted reporting restrictions on Wednesday. Stephen McCullagh, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, denies murdering Natalie McNally. The trial continues at Belfast Crown Court with further testimony expected in the coming days.
