YouTuber Accused of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend Used Pre-Recorded Livestream as Alibi, Court Told
In a shocking development, a YouTuber on trial for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend allegedly recorded a livestream alibi four days before the crime occurred. Stephen McCullagh, 36, claimed he was broadcasting live while playing computer games at his home in County Antrim, but prosecutors argue this was a carefully orchestrated deception.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Natalie McNally, 32, was found dead at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on December 18, 2022. She was 15 weeks pregnant with their son. The court heard that Ms. McNally suffered a prolonged assault, including stab wounds to the neck, strangulation, and severe blows to the head. McCullagh has pleaded not guilty to her murder.
Prosecutors described the killing as "planned, calculated, and premeditated," asserting that McCullagh hoped to evade detection by creating a false alibi. They allege he disguised himself, took a bus to Lurgan, and walked to Ms. McNally's house to carry out the attack before returning home by taxi.
Evidence of Pre-Recorded Livestream
During the trial, digital forensic analyst Detective Constable Matthews presented extensive evidence indicating that the six-hour YouTube livestream was pre-recorded. The footage, which showed McCullagh playing Grand Theft Auto and Robot Wars while drinking Guinness and Baileys, was recorded on December 14 and saved as a video file.
DC Matthews testified that the livestream was broadcast on December 18 to create the illusion of a live event, with no user activity detected on McCullagh's computer between 6 p.m. and just after midnight. The video file was deleted in the early hours of December 19, further suggesting an attempt to cover tracks.
CCTV and Surveillance Footage
The court was shown clips from CCTV and doorbell cameras capturing a person walking from a street to a bus stop, paying cash for a ride to Lurgan, and proceeding to Ms. McNally's street on the evening of December 18. Later footage depicted a figure in different attire leaving the area and entering a taxi, which was seen arriving on McCullagh's street.
This evidence, combined with the digital analysis, forms a key part of the prosecution's case, painting a picture of a meticulously planned crime. The trial continues as more details emerge in this high-profile case.
