Stephen McCullagh Convicted of Natalie McNally’s Murder in Northern Ireland
Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens in Lisburn, has been found guilty of the murder of Natalie McNally, a 32-year-old woman who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. The verdict was delivered on March 23, 2026, at Belfast Crown Court, concluding a four-week trial that garnered significant public attention.
The Crime and Initial Investigation
Natalie McNally was brutally attacked and killed at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on December 18, 2022. She sustained multiple stab wounds, severe beatings, facial fractures, and broken bones in her neck. Police initially investigated a former boyfriend of Ms. McNally, but he was later ruled out as a suspect. BBC News
The False Alibi and Evidence
The prosecution argued that McCullagh fabricated an alibi, claiming he was livestreaming a video game on YouTube at the time of the murder. This alibi was initially believed by police. Although, cybercrime experts discovered the livestream was pre-recorded, revealing the deception. BBC News, Wikipedia
Evidence presented during the trial included WhatsApp messages read by McCullagh on Ms. McNally’s phone, which the prosecution suggested motivated the attack. The prosecution described the assault as a “prolonged” and “savage” beating. Irish Times
The Verdict and Reaction
The jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict after just over two hours of deliberation. Cheers erupted in the courtroom as the verdict was read, with family and friends of Natalie McNally celebrating the conviction. McCullagh showed little emotion, slowly nodding his head upon hearing the verdict. Belfast Live, BBC News
Natalie McNally’s brother, Declan, paid tribute to his sister, describing her as an “inspirational person” and expressing the family’s grief over the loss of a future mother to her unborn child, Dean. He also highlighted the issue of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. BBC News
Sentencing
Mr Justice Kinney stated that the offense carries a life sentence. A tariff hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2026, to determine the minimum term McCullagh will serve. BBC News