YouTuber Found Guilty of Murder After Elaborate Gaming Alibi Unravels
The family of Natalie McNally erupted in celebration outside Belfast Crown Court as a jury delivered a guilty verdict against Stephen McCullagh for her murder. The 36-year-old YouTuber, known online as votesaxon07, was convicted after a five-week trial that exposed his meticulously crafted but ultimately flawed alibi involving a livestreamed gaming session.
A Violent Crime and a Digital Cover-Up
Natalie McNally, 32 years old and 15 weeks pregnant, was brutally attacked and killed in her Lurgan, County Armagh home on December 18, 2022. During the exact timeframe of her death, between 8:50 PM and 9:30 PM, McCullagh appeared to be broadcasting himself playing video games while drinking alcohol to fellow online gamers.
The prosecution presented damning evidence that this livestream—advertised as "The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream"—was actually pre-recorded four days earlier on December 14. McCullagh opened the six-hour footage wearing a Santa hat, explaining technical issues prevented him from interacting with live chat or using his phone.
Police Investigation Exposes the Truth
The Police Service of Northern Ireland's cybercrime unit meticulously dismantled McCullagh's digital deception. Forensic examination of his devices revealed extensive evidence that the livestream was a pre-saved video file, not a live broadcast. After his rearrest in January, McCullagh admitted in a pre-prepared statement that he had indeed pre-recorded the footage.
He claimed to have been consuming alcohol and sleeping through most of the evening when McNally was killed. However, the prosecution proved he had actually traveled to Lurgan, murdered McNally, then returned home to Lisburn via taxi. The violent attack involved multiple stab wounds and blows to her head.
Relationship Dynamics and Motive
The court heard how the couple had met in August 2022, with McNally becoming pregnant by November. Prosecutors revealed McCullagh had accessed McNally's phone and viewed messages she had exchanged with other men, suggesting possible motives behind the fatal attack.
During the trial, McCullagh stood expressionless in the dock as the verdict was read. Meanwhile, McNally's family and friends filled the public gallery, cheering as justice was served after just two hours of jury deliberations by six men and six women.
Sentencing and Family Statements
Mr Justice Kinney informed McCullagh that murder carries a mandatory life sentence. A tariff hearing scheduled for May will determine the minimum time he must serve before potential release consideration.
Outside the courtroom, McNally's family expressed profound gratitude for the support that sustained them through their ordeal. Her brother Niall McNally stated, "As Natalie receives justice today, our hearts go out to all victims of violence against women and girls. We hope all victims and families get their day in court and the justice they deserve."
Another brother, Declan, remembered his sister as "an inspirational person" whose presence was "the greatest joy we'll ever have." He added, "You would have been an amazing mother to baby Dean. We will love you forever and hope you can now rest easy." He also praised their parents' extraordinary strength in holding the family together throughout the tragedy.
This case highlights both the disturbing potential for digital deception in serious crimes and the relentless investigative work that can uncover even the most carefully constructed false alibis.
