Jury Reviews YouTube Evidence in Natalie McNally Murder Trial

The murder trial of Natalie McNally commenced at Belfast Crown Court, focusing on the events surrounding her death on December 18, 2022. The jury was presented with key evidence, including a YouTube video recorded by the accused, Stephen McCullagh, who is alleged to have killed McNally in her home in Lurgan. The Crown maintains that McNally, who was pregnant, was murdered between 20:50 and 21:30 on that evening.

During the trial’s third day, jurors viewed a recording from a so-called “live stream” by McCullagh, titled “The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream.” This video appeared on McCullagh’s YouTube channel during the evening of December 18. Following his arrest, McCullagh claimed this stream served as an alibi.

Forensic analysis conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) determined that the six-hour stream was not live, as McCullagh had suggested. Instead, experts found it had been recorded on December 14 and uploaded on the day of McNally’s murder. In a pre-prepared statement to police, McCullagh confirmed the recording’s timeline, contradicting his earlier claims of it being a live event.

The jury listened to segments of the stream, where McCullagh, donning a red Santa hat, repeatedly asserted that the stream was live. He engaged viewers while drinking Guinness and Baileys, expressing his frustration over the live chat comments and making offhand remarks about drinking during the session.

In addition to the video evidence, the jury was shown items retrieved from McNally’s home, including a small black-handled knife found near her head in the living room. These items were presented in forensic evidence bags and included a silver dog bowl and a sheet of paper related to diabetes.

The jury also examined WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and McNally on the day of her death. At 17:57, McCullagh informed McNally, “Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.” McNally responded two minutes later, wishing him good luck and indicating she might watch the stream later.

The prosecution has characterized McCullagh’s live streaming as a “cover story,” alleging that he fabricated a false alibi. It is claimed that instead of streaming from his residence, McCullagh took a bus from Dunmurry to Lurgan, walked to McNally’s home, and subsequently murdered her.

The trial continues as the jury evaluates the evidence against McCullagh, who has denied the charges. The court proceedings are expected to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.