YouTuber Accused of Murder Described Finding Body to Victim's Family at Wake
A YouTuber accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend recounted the discovery of her body to her grieving family during her wake on Christmas Day, Belfast Crown Court has heard. Stephen McCullagh, 35, stands accused of the murder of Natalie McNally, who was 32 years old and 15 weeks pregnant when she was fatally stabbed at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, on the night of December 18, 2022.
Family Testimony Details Wake Conversation
On Tuesday, the court heard emotional testimony from Ms McNally's father Noel, mother Bernadette, and brothers Declan and Brendan. They described how McCullagh attended the wake at the family home on Christmas Day, shortly after being released from police custody. According to the family, police had informed them that McCullagh was "no longer a suspect" at that time, making his presence seem appropriate.
Noel McNally told the court that McCullagh delivered "one long story" without interruption, beginning with his gaming activities and concluding with finding the body. He stated that McCullagh explained he went to Ms McNally's home after becoming concerned when she failed to reply to his text messages. McCullagh allegedly speculated that she might be angry with him for drinking or experiencing diabetic hypoglycemia.
Alleged Pre-Recorded Livestream Alibi
Prosecutors have presented a detailed timeline alleging that McCullagh meticulously planned the crime. They contend that on December 18, he pre-recorded a six-hour gaming broadcast of himself playing Grand Theft Auto at his home in Co Antrim. This recording was then streamed as if live while, they allege, McCullagh disguised himself, took a bus to Lurgan, walked to Ms McNally's house, and killed her.
The prosecution asserts he later took a taxi home. It is alleged he returned to the scene on the night of December 19 to make a 999 emergency call. Brendan McNally testified that McCullagh mentioned at the wake that he had texted Ms McNally at 6 p.m. on Sunday to say he was starting his livestream, then messaged her repeatedly on Monday without response.
Defence Challenges and Family Recollections
Defence barrister John Kearney KC challenged aspects of the family's testimony. He suggested McCullagh did not state he had texted Ms McNally while at her house asking her to come to the window, but rather that he may have intended to do so. Noel McNally firmly rejected this, replying, "No. He said he texted Natalie to see if she was ok and she didn't reply."
The court also heard about McCullagh's expressed grievances with the police. Family members recalled him stating he was "stripped", had his genitals swabbed by two female officers, and was left in a cell for hours after his arrest. He allegedly told them a policeman laughed in his face when he proclaimed his innocence.
Alternative Theories and Emotional Outburst
Declan McNally testified that McCullagh "mentioned several times" that Ms McNally's phone would ring when they were together, and she would hang up immediately, claiming her ex-boyfriend was "always harassing" her. McCullagh allegedly referenced a video about narcissism and control, suggesting he believed the ex-boyfriend may have killed Ms McNally in a rage upon learning of her pregnancy. Mr. Kearney noted the defendant "doesn't recall this" but also "doesn't dispute it."
Brendan McNally described an "emotional outburst" from McCullagh at the wake, where he expressed frustration that the media coverage of the case was dropping in prominence. McCullagh allegedly said his "heart sank" seeing this and remarked it should be an "international story."
The evidence presented on Tuesday was published after the judge lifted a reporting restriction on Wednesday. Stephen McCullagh, from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, denies the charge of murder. The trial continues at Belfast Crown Court.
