A man accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Northern Ireland allegedly staged a six-hour livestream video game session on the night of the killing, in what prosecutors claim was a deliberate attempt to create an alibi. The trial of Stephen McCullagh, 36, continues at Belfast Crown Court, where jurors are hearing evidence related to the death of Natalie McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death on December 18, 2022. The case, which has drawn significant attention in Northern Ireland, centers on whether McCullagh’s online activity was a genuine attempt at entertainment or a carefully constructed deception.
Prosecutors allege that McCullagh pre-recorded the livestream, broadcast under the name “Votesaxon07” on YouTube, and then traveled from his home in Lisburn to Ms. McNally’s house in Lurgan to commit the murder. The livestream, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream,” featured McCullagh playing Grand Theft Auto while consuming alcohol and engaging in often-expletive-filled commentary. He is accused of then returning to Ms. McNally’s home the following night and calling emergency services.
The court has heard that Ms. McNally died as a result of compression of the neck, stab wounds, and blunt force trauma, with evidence suggesting a “prolonged assault.” Dr. James Lynas, the state pathologist for Northern Ireland, testified that bruising across Ms. McNally’s body indicated a violent struggle. The prosecution contends the murder was “planned, calculated and premeditated,” and that McCullagh hoped to evade justice. RTÉ News reports that a jury of six men and six women has been sworn in for the trial, which is expected to last approximately five weeks.
Livestream Details Unveiled in Court
During the trial, jurors were shown footage from the livestream, which began with McCullagh wearing a Santa hat and welcoming viewers. He reportedly told viewers he was experiencing technical difficulties that would prevent him from responding to live chat, and stated he wouldn’t be using his phone. He joked about “drinking and driving” within the game, adding, “In the game by the way, I’m not leaving the house tonight.” McCullagh also claimed he hadn’t consumed alcohol in months before drinking a substantial portion of a Guinness, according to reports.
As the stream progressed, McCullagh’s behavior became increasingly animated, with witnesses describing him as becoming “angry” and shouting at characters in the game, repeatedly yelling “die, why won’t you die.” The prosecution argues this behavior, coupled with the alleged pre-recording of the stream, was intended to mislead investigators and establish a false timeline of his whereabouts.
WhatsApp Messages Reveal Earlier Interactions
The court also heard evidence regarding WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh, and Ms. McNally in the days leading up to her death. On December 14, the messages were described as “friendly and affectionate,” with the couple discussing Christmas decorations, work, and Ms. McNally’s pregnancy. On December 18, the day of Ms. McNally’s death, messages showed Ms. McNally confirming she had arrived home safely and McCullagh teasing her about making it to her parents’ house in time to watch the FIFA World Cup final between France and Argentina.
The final exchange occurred at 5:57 pm on December 18, when McCullagh told Ms. McNally he was “off to stream the night away, wish me luck,” to which she replied, “Good luck, I might have a peek at your livestream later.” This message, the prosecution argues, is particularly significant given their claim that the livestream was a fabrication designed to conceal his movements.
Evidence Presented to the Jury
In addition to the livestream footage and WhatsApp messages, the jury has been shown physical evidence recovered from the scene, including a knife, a note detailing Ms. McNally’s diabetes, and a metal bowl. Photographs of McCullagh’s home were also presented. The prosecution, led by barrister Bobbie-Leigh Herdman, has presented the case as a deliberate act of violence, alleging that McCullagh sought to eliminate Ms. McNally and cover his tracks. According to Wikipedia, police initially found no signs of forced entry, suggesting Ms. McNally knew her attacker.
McCullagh, who remains in custody, has denied the charges. He was observed in court wearing a grey t-shirt and seated between two prison guards, near a public gallery filled with family and friends of Ms. McNally. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with further evidence and testimony anticipated.
The case has prompted widespread discussion in Northern Ireland, where non-gangland related violent crime is relatively rare. The details of Ms. McNally’s death, including the fact that she was 15 weeks pregnant with McCullagh’s child, have deeply affected the community.
The trial is scheduled to continue, with the prosecution expected to present further evidence in the coming days. The next hearing will focus on forensic analysis of evidence collected from both Ms. McNally’s and McCullagh’s homes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at https://www.thehotline.org/.
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