YouTuber jailed 31 years for murder staged fake livestream alibi

Stephen McCullagh has been sentenced to a minimum of 31 years in prison for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally. The 32-year-old victim was found fatally stabbed in her home in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, on December 18, 2022. On the same evening, McCullagh presented a six-hour Grand Theft Auto and Robot Wars gaming livestream as his alibi.

Initially, police believed McCullagh after he apparently discovered the body and provided the livestream alibi, which YouTube confirmed as live. He further manipulated trust by attending the wake and suggesting others might be involved. However, investigators found evidence that McCullagh had pre-recorded the stream, enabling him to travel disguised to Lurgan, commit the murder, and return before the broadcast ended.

Key to uncovering the deception was the analysis of broadcast software. While live streams record continuous background data, pre-recorded broadcasts show gaps. Police found McCullagh's stream lacked this data during breaks, revealing its pre-recorded nature. He was rearrested in January 2023 and found guilty of murder in March 2026.

Mr Justice Kinney highlighted the significant planning and McCullagh's manipulation of those around him during sentencing. McNally was remembered as a strong and independent woman. Her family expressed their grief and hope that the sentence will deter future domestic violence.