YouTuber Accused of Murdering Pregnant Partner and Fabricating Livestream Alibi
A Northern Irish YouTuber stands accused of the brutal murder of his pregnant girlfriend and attempting to conceal the crime by staging a fake live broadcast on his gaming channel, a court has heard. Stephen McCullagh, aged 36 and residing in Lisburn, allegedly killed Natalie McNally, 32, at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on December 18, 2022. Ms. McNally was fifteen weeks pregnant with McCullagh's child at the time of her death.
Emergency Response and Initial Deception
Emergency services were alerted to the scene on the evening of December 19, 2022, where they discovered Ms. McNally deceased. Despite immediate medical efforts, she was pronounced dead at the location. McCullagh, who was present upon their arrival, reportedly informed police officers, "I know what has happened, the ex-partner has done this." However, prosecutors assert that this statement was a deliberate misdirection, as McCullagh himself is charged with her murder.
The prosecution contends that McCullagh meticulously planned the killing, creating an alibi by broadcasting a pre-recorded six-hour video of himself playing Grand Theft Auto on his YouTube channel, Votesaxon07, during the estimated time of the murder. This footage was presented as a live stream to simulate his presence elsewhere.
Court Proceedings and Evidence Presented
McCullagh appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday, where he has formally denied the murder charge. The trial, presided over by Judge Mr Justice Patrick Kinney and heard by a jury of six men and six women, is anticipated to last approximately five weeks. Prosecutor Charles MacCreanor KC described the murder as "planned, calculated and premeditated, one which [McCullagh] hoped to get away with."
Key evidence presented includes:
- Police testimony detailing the discovery of Ms. McNally's body at the top of the stairs in her Silverwood Green townhouse, surrounded by blood with a neck puncture wound.
- A small black-handled knife found on the living room floor and bloodstains on the wall.
- CCTV footage allegedly showing a man matching McCullagh's description traveling by bus from Dunmurray to Lurgan and later taking a taxi to Lisburn around 11 p.m.
- Digital evidence from McCullagh's devices indicating searches for bus times to Lurgan and phone activity shortly after the taxi journey.
Mr. MacCreanor stated that the cause of death involved neck compression "suggestive of fingertips grasping" alongside three stab wounds to the neck and five lacerations to the head. He emphasized that any of these injuries could have been fatal independently.
Prosecution's Case and Alleged Cover-Up
The prosecution argues that McCullagh engaged in an elaborate act to deflect suspicion. This included a distressed 999 call made on December 19, where he sobbed and urged emergency services to hurry. Mr. MacCreanor labeled this call as "false, it's an act, it's put on by him, part of his plan to do the murder and get away with it."
First responders described McCullagh as "visibly upset," "distraught," and performing CPR upon their arrival. Paramedic Graham Thompson testified that he instructed McCullagh to cease resuscitation efforts as there was no hope of revival. Police officers noted McCullagh's repeated questions, "Why my Natalie, who would do such a thing," which they found unusual given the early stage of the investigation.
During police interviews, McCullagh reportedly suggested that the true killer had framed him, stating, "It seems that the suspect did take a taxi to my house... the true killer of Natalie has left a clear circumstantial trail to link me to the murder."
Defence and Ongoing Trial
The defence case, to be presented by barrister John Kearney KC later this week, will challenge the prosecution's narrative. The trial continues with further witness testimonies and evidence examination expected in the coming weeks. Ms. McNally's family and friends have been present in the public gallery, observing the proceedings closely as the court seeks justice for her untimely death.
