Natalie McNally Murder Trial: Key Evidence Presented in Court
The trial of Stephen McCullagh, accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend Natalie McNally, continues at Belfast Crown Court, with prosecutors presenting evidence detailing the events leading up to and following her death. The 32-year-old Natalie McNally was found dead at her home in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, on December 19, 2022, having suffered multiple injuries, including stab wounds and blunt force trauma. She was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.
WhatsApp Messages Reveal Plans for the Night of the Murder
The court heard testimony regarding a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally on December 18, 2022, the day of the alleged murder. At 5:57 pm, McCullagh messaged McNally, stating, “Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.” McNally replied at 5:59 pm, “Good luck. I might have a peek at your live stream later.” Irish News reports these messages were presented as evidence.
Live Stream and Purchases Before the Incident
Prior to the exchange, McCullagh had advertised a live stream event on his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts at 4 pm, stating: “Surprise, join us in 2 hours for some festive streaming goodness, live!!!”. He also purchased an 8-pack of Guinness and a bottle of Buckfast at 3:10 pm on the same day. Irish News
Police Investigation and Digital Evidence
Police seized McCullagh’s phone on December 19, 2022, and compiled two reports following its examination. The reports revealed that on December 13, 2022, McCullagh searched the CEX website, which sells pre-owned videogames. The following day, he researched streaming setups and connecting a PS3 to computer speakers. He also purchased the video games Grand Theft Auto Vice City and Star Wars Battlefront 2 from CEX in Lisburn. The Journal
Christmas Plans and Items Found at the Scene
On December 14, 2022, McCullagh and McNally exchanged WhatsApp messages discussing Christmas decorations and agreed to watch a “cheesy Disney movie” the following night. The jury was shown a knife, a sheet of paper found beside McNally’s body, and a metal bowl as exhibits. Irish News
Ongoing Trial and Previous Claims
Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has denied murdering Natalie McNally. The trial, expected to last around five weeks, is presided over by Judge Mr Justice Patrick Kinney. Previously, McCullagh had claimed he was live-streaming on his YouTube channel at the time of McNally’s death, a claim that has been disputed. Wikipedia and Derry Now report that McCullagh initially told police that Natalie McNally’s ex-partner had murdered her.
The state pathologist, Dr. James Lynas, testified that McNally died from compression of the neck, stab wounds to her neck, and blunt force trauma to her head, with extensive bruising and internal injuries. He also stated that the foetus she was carrying, approximately 15 weeks gestation, likely died as a result of the assault. Irish News