Stephen McCullagh Found Guilty of Murdering Pregnant Partner Natalie McNally
Stephen McCullagh, 36, has been found guilty of murdering his pregnant partner, Natalie McNally, in her Lurgan home in December 2022. The verdict was delivered at Belfast Crown Court after a jury deliberated for just over two hours.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
Natalie McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was beaten, strangled, and stabbed in her home on December 18, 2022. Police were called to her home at Silverwood Green in Lurgan around 10 pm, where they discovered her body. A post-mortem examination revealed she had sustained multiple stab wounds, severe beatings, facial fractures, and broken bones in her neck. [1] Detectives found no signs of forced entry, suggesting McNally knew her attacker. [1]
McCullagh initially claimed he was live-streaming on YouTube at the time of the murder, but this alibi was disproven during the trial. [1] The jury was shown CCTV footage and re-watched it during deliberations. [2]
Family’s Reaction and Calls for Justice
Following the guilty verdict, Natalie McNally’s brother, Declan, described his sister as an “inspirational person” and said having her in their lives was “the greatest joy we’ll ever have.” He added, “You would have been an amazing mother to baby Dean.” [2]
The family also spoke out against violence towards women and girls, calling it “the shame of our society” and expressing hope that all victims and their families receive justice. [2] Cheers erupted in the courtroom after the verdict was read, and again for the detectives and police involved in the investigation. [2]
Sentencing
Mr. Justice Kinney stated that the offense carries a life sentence. A tariff hearing is scheduled for May 15 to determine the length of McCullagh’s imprisonment. [2]
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