What circumstances led to Stephen McCullagh’s conviction for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally? McCullagh was found guilty of this heinous crime, which took place on December 18, 2022, in his home in Lurgan, County Armagh.
Natalie McNally, who was 32 years old and 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death, was murdered in what has been described as a tragic case of domestic violence. The jury took just over two hours to reach their verdict after a five-week trial that included evidence from CCTV footage and social media messages.
McCullagh, who is 36 years old, attempted to use a pre-recorded six-hour livestream as an alibi for the murder. However, forensic analysis revealed that the livestream was not live, undermining his defense. Throughout the trial, McCullagh denied the murder charge, even suggesting that a former boyfriend of McNally was responsible for her death, a claim the jury rejected.
After the murder, McCullagh made a 999 call, claiming that McNally was cold and that there was blood everywhere. His controlling behavior was noted, as he had a history of being possessive with a former girlfriend.
In a poignant statement after the verdict, Declan McNally, Natalie’s father, expressed his grief, saying, “Having you in our lives was the greatest joy we’ll ever have.” He also highlighted the broader issue of violence against women, stating, “As Natalie receives justice today, our hearts go out to all the victims of violence against women and girls.”
McCullagh has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, a decision that reflects the severity of the crime and its impact on the community. The case has raised awareness about domestic violence and the need for justice in similar situations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeals McCullagh may pursue. As the community processes this tragic event, the focus remains on supporting victims of domestic violence and ensuring justice is served.