A Northern Ireland man is on trial for the 2022 murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, with the prosecution arguing he staged a livestream to create a false alibi. The case, which began this week at Belfast Crown Court, centers on whether Stephen McCullagh intentionally misled investigators by claiming to be broadcasting a video game session whereas allegedly committing the crime. The prosecution alleges the murder was “planned, calculated and premeditated,” and that McCullagh believed he could evade justice through the digital deception.
Natalie McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was found dead at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, on December 18, 2022. The initial investigation focused on McCullagh, but he was initially released due to his claim of livestreaming for nearly six hours on the night of the murder. Now, authorities contend that the livestream was pre-recorded, a carefully constructed attempt to establish a false timeline. This case highlights the increasing challenges law enforcement faces in navigating digital evidence and the potential for technology to be used in criminal activity.
Details of the Prosecution’s Case
According to the prosecution, Natalie McNally was attacked between 8:50 PM and 9:30 PM on December 18th. The court heard that she sustained multiple severe injuries, including significant stab wounds – three to the neck – and blunt force trauma to the head from at least five blows. A pathologist reportedly found evidence of neck compression and bruising consistent with finger pressure, suggesting a struggle. The prosecution argues that either the neck injuries or the stab wounds alone could have been fatal.
McCullagh initially told police he had been livestreaming from 6:00 PM to midnight and believed Natalie was upset he had been drinking during the broadcast. However, the prosecution alleges that while the livestream was running, McCullagh traveled from Dunmurry to Lurgan – a distance of approximately 20 kilometers – to commit the murder before returning to Lisburn by taxi. The prosecution asserts the livestream was a deliberate fabrication designed to provide him with an alibi.
The 999 Call and Initial Investigation
A key piece of evidence presented to the court was a ten-minute 999 call made by McCullagh the night after the murder, around 9:50 PM on December 19th. According to reports, he was heard saying, “Please come as quickly as possible, she’s pregnant, she’s cold.” When asked if Natalie was breathing, he reportedly shouted, “No, she’s gone,” and added, “There’s blood everywhere.” The prosecution characterized the call as a calculated attempt to appear distraught and deflect suspicion, according to the RTE.ie. Upon the arrival of emergency services, McCullagh reportedly blamed a former partner of Natalie for the attack.
He initially claimed to have last seen Natalie at 7:59 PM on Sunday and stated he went to her house on Monday since she was diabetic and he feared she might be suffering from hypoglycemia, finding her upstairs. McCullagh was arrested on suspicion of murder that night, but released on December 20, 2022, due to the apparent alibi provided by the livestream.
McCullagh’s Online Presence
Stephen McCullagh, known online as Votesaxon07, had been active on YouTube since 2010. His channel, which amassed around 37,000 subscribers, initially focused on reviews of toys and collectibles, particularly items related to the British science fiction series Doctor Who. He also regularly streamed video game sessions. His YouTube channel and Instagram profile have been inactive since his arrest in 2022.
The trial continues, with the central question being whether the prosecution can prove that the livestream was a pre-recorded fabrication intended to mislead investigators. The defense maintains McCullagh’s innocence. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for how digital evidence is evaluated in future criminal investigations, particularly concerning livestreaming and online alibis.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for any health concerns or legal questions.
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