YouTuber Accused of Orchestrating Fake Livestream as Alibi in Pregnant Partner's Murder
A chilling court case has unfolded in Belfast, where a man stands accused of murdering his pregnant partner and allegedly fabricating a gaming livestream to cover his tracks. Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Natalie McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death in December 2022.
Gruesome Details Emerge in Belfast Crown Court
Prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC detailed the alleged premeditated nature of the crime, stating that McCullagh, known online as Votesaxon07, pre-recorded six hours of himself playing video games. He then broadcast this footage live on the evening of December 18, 2022, while prosecutors claim he traveled by bus to McNally's home in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
The time of death was estimated between 8:50 PM and 9:30 PM that Sunday. MacCreanor described the murder as "planned, calculated, and premeditated," with McCullagh allegedly hoping to evade detection through an elaborate cover story.
Victim Suffered Multiple Fatal Injuries
The court heard harrowing details of McNally's injuries, which included compression of her neck suggestive of fingertip grasping, three stab wounds to the neck from a bladed weapon, and five lacerations to her head from heavy blows. Any of these injuries could have been fatal, according to the prosecution.
MacCreanor emphasized that McNally was pregnant, and McCullagh was the father of her unborn child, adding a layer of tragedy to the case.
Distressed 999 Call and Paramedic Response
On the night of December 19, McCullagh made a distressed 999 call from McNally's home, sobbing and urging emergency services to arrive quickly. Paramedics found him performing CPR on McNally, who was lying at the top of the stairs in the living area, with visible injuries and blood consistent with an attack.
During the call, the operator guided McCullagh through CPR compressions, encouraging him to "keep going" as he waited for help. Paramedics described him as visibly upset, though the prosecution labeled his actions as part of an "act" to mislead authorities.
Alleged Cover-Up Attempts and Trial Proceedings
MacCreanor told the court that McCullagh attempted to shift blame by suggesting an ex-partner of McNally's was responsible and made statements to police about "blood everywhere" and that "someone had knocked 10 bells out of her." McCullagh claimed the last time he saw McNally was on Sunday afternoon, a timeline the prosecution disputes.
The trial continues, with family and friends of McNally watching from the public gallery as McCullagh sits in the dock between two prison guards. The case highlights the intersection of digital deception and violent crime, drawing attention from legal observers and the public alike.
