Natalie McNally Murder Trial: Key Evidence and Testimony

The trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of the murder of Natalie McNally, continues at Belfast Crown Court, with jurors presented with crucial evidence from police interviews and testimony regarding the events leading up to Ms. McNally’s death. The case centers around the death of 32-year-old Natalie McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on December 18, 2022.

Police Interview Reveals ‘No Comment’ Responses

Extracts from police interviews with Stephen McCullagh were presented in court. During the interviews, McCullagh repeatedly responded with “no comment” to a series of questions posed by detectives. A key piece of evidence shown to McCullagh was GPS data tracking a taxi journey from Lurgan to Lisburn on the night of the murder. He was asked if he was the passenger in the taxi seen on CCTV arriving at his home, to which he again replied, “no comment.”

Detectives asserted they believed the individual in the taxi was the person responsible for Natalie McNally’s death. McCullagh maintained his silence. The police also challenged McCullagh regarding his claim of livestreaming a video game on the night of the murder, stating that an examination of his devices showed no activity during the claimed timeframe. McCullagh responded, “That is literally impossible because you can see it on YouTube,” before reverting to “no comment.”

The detective detailed evidence suggesting premeditation, stating that the suspect had taken “extensive lengths” to plan the murder. The prosecution outlined a timeline, alleging the suspect traveled by bus from Dunmurry to Lurgan, spent 39 minutes inside Ms. McNally’s home, and inflicted injuries consistent with strangulation, stabbing, and blunt force trauma before returning to Lisburn by taxi.

Circumstantial Evidence and McCullagh’s Statement

Following the interview, McCullagh provided a statement to police, asserting the case against him was “entirely circumstantial.” He denied being the individual captured in the CCTV footage, suggesting the true killer had deliberately created a trail of evidence pointing towards him.

Ms. McNally’s Contemplation of a Breakup

The court also heard evidence of messages exchanged between Ms. McNally and other individuals in the months preceding her death. On December 16, 2022, she informed a man identified as “Male B” of her pregnancy, stating she was “single but still pregnant” and “delighted to have a baby by myself.”

In messages to another man, “Male C,” on December 11, 2022, Ms. McNally expressed a desire for space from her current relationship, stating, “I just like doing my own thing and now I have to make plans all the time with this person, can’t be bothered.” When asked if she was considering ending the relationship, she replied, “No, I wouldn’t do it before Christmas, that’s just mean. I’ll see how I feel after the New Year.” She later added, “Maybe it will be OK. I just like my space… There’s nothing wrong with him, I’m just feeling a bit uneasy.”

Mobile Phone Note and Internet Searches

Evidence presented included a note on McCullagh’s mobile phone from November 8, 2022, detailing a conversation with Ms. McNally about her concerns regarding moving in with him and feeling apprehensive about the change. The note indicated Ms. McNally viewed his home as “my house and not hers.”

Internet searches conducted by McCullagh on December 18, 2022, regarding late-night bus and train services to Lurgan and surrounding areas were also revealed. Police also discovered a 39-minute and seven-second audio recording made in the McNally family home in January 2023.

Witness Testimony: Unexpected Visit

Holly McNally, married to Ms. McNally’s brother Niall, testified that McCullagh visited the McNally family home in the days following the murder. She stated she offered him dinner and made him feel welcome. He left after a couple of hours and returned within 20 minutes, claiming he had forgotten his mobile phone.

The trial is ongoing and is expected to resume on Monday.