YouTuber Gets 31 Years for Murder, Faked Livestream Alibi

A chilling case of deception has concluded with a 31-year prison sentence for Stephen McCullagh, who murdered his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally. The incident occurred on December 18, 2022, in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. McCullagh attempted to craft an alibi by staging a six-hour gaming livestream on YouTube the same evening of the brutal attack.

Initially, authorities were misled by the apparent live broadcast, allowing McCullagh a period of freedom after his initial arrest. He further manipulated the situation by attending vigils and suggesting other potential suspects. However, police meticulously investigated, discovering that the livestream was pre-recorded, enabling him to travel, commit the murder, and return disguised.

Key to unraveling the alibi was the analysis of broadcast software, which revealed no background data during breaks in McCullagh's stream, a tell-tale sign of a pre-recorded production. Detectives also identified a man matching McCullagh's build on CCTV boarding a bus with a bag similar to one seen leaving McNally's residence. McCullagh was rearrested in January 2023 and subsequently found guilty in March 2026.

Mr. Justice Kinney emphasized the extensive planning and manipulation involved in the crime when delivering the sentence. He described Natalie McNally as a strong, loving, and independent woman. The sentencing brought some closure to McNally's grieving family, who expressed hope that the case would serve as a deterrent against domestic violence.