Natalie McNally Murder Trial: Former Partner Accused of Premeditated Killing

The Belfast Crown Court is currently hearing the case of Stephen McCullagh, 36, who stands accused of the murder of Natalie McNally, 32, in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, on December 18, 2022. Prosecutors allege the killing was a “planned, calculated, premeditated murder” that McCullagh “hoped to get away with.”

Details of the Crime

Natalie McNally was found stabbed to death at her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, while 15 weeks pregnant. The prosecution claims McCullagh initially attempted to mislead investigators with a false alibi, including a fabricated six-hour live stream of an online game and a 999 call intended to portray innocence.

The 999 Call

On December 19, 2022, McCullagh made a 999 call from McNally’s home, which was played to the jury. During the ten-minute call, he can be heard sobbing and telling the operator, “Please come as soon as you can, she’s pregnant, she’s cold. There’s blood everywhere.” He was instructed to perform CPR and stated that McNally was 15 weeks pregnant, with a scheduled scan the following day. Prosecutors argue this call was an “act” designed to cover his tracks. BBC News

Evidence Presented in Court

The court heard that Natalie McNally suffered “serious and multiple fatal injuries,” including three stab wounds to her neck and five lacerations to her head, consistent with at least five heavy blows. The cause of death involved compression of her neck, “suggestive of finger tips grasping.” The estimated time of death is between 8:50 pm and 9:30 pm on December 18, 2022. Newsletter

Alleged False Alibi

Prosecutors presented evidence that McCullagh falsely claimed to be live-streaming a video game on the night of the murder. The stream, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” was, in fact, a pre-recorded video. The Journal

Background

Natalie McNally was a 32-year-ancient Northern Irish woman. Stephen McCullagh, her former boyfriend, was initially arrested at the scene but released the following day. He was later charged with her murder. The circumstances of her death caused widespread outrage in Northern Ireland. Wikipedia

The trial continues at Belfast Crown Court.