YouTube Account Deleted After Man Convicted of Pregnant Girlfriend’s Murder

The YouTube account used by Stephen McCullagh to broadcast a pre-recorded livestream as an alibi during the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, was deleted overnight, according to reports. The account vanished a day after McCullagh, 36, was found guilty by unanimous verdict of the 32-year-old’s murder.

McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant with McCullagh’s child, was beaten, strangled, and stabbed to death at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, in December 2022. McCullagh, a gamer and YouTuber, had posted a six-hour livestream on his channel on the night of the murder, claiming to be gaming while he travelled from Lisburn to Lurgan to commit the crime.

Prosecutors argued that McCullagh pre-recorded the livestream several days before the murder and uploaded it to provide himself with a false alibi. The prosecution presented evidence that McCullagh used the time afforded by the recording to travel by bus from Lisburn to Lurgan, and then took a taxi back home after missing the last train. Tracking data from the taxi company confirmed a vehicle dropped off near McCullagh’s home after the time of the murder, with the driver testifying that a passenger had entered the house to retrieve cash for the fare.

During the trial, the court heard that McNally had been messaging other men, including a former boyfriend, during her relationship with McCullagh. The prosecution suggested that McCullagh killed McNally after discovering these messages. McCullagh maintained his innocence, claiming a former boyfriend of Ms. McNally was responsible for the crime.

Police had previously ensured the livestream video was demonetized, preventing McCullagh from earning income from views. However, other content on the channel remained capable of generating revenue, and McCullagh had amassed 44,000 subscribers. A separate YouTube account belonging to McCullagh remains accessible as of this morning.

The jury reached a unanimous verdict after just over two hours of deliberation. McCullagh showed no visible reaction upon hearing the verdict. Mr. Justice Kinney thanked the jury for their “diligence” in handling the case, acknowledging the “very challenging and traumatic evidence” they had been required to review.

Following the verdict, Declan McNally, Natalie’s brother, paid tribute to his sister, stating, “Having you in our lives was the greatest joy we’ll ever have. You would have been an amazing mother to baby Dean. We will love you forever and we hope you can now rest easy.” The McNally family also expressed gratitude to friends, family, and the public for their support during the trial.

Mr. Justice Kinney stated that a tariff hearing will be held on May 15 to determine the minimum term of imprisonment McCullagh must serve before being eligible for release. The judge also commended the McNally family for the “dignity” they had displayed throughout the proceedings.