A jury convicted Stephen McCullagh of murdering Natalie McNally after just over two hours of deliberation. The 36-year-old from Woodland Gardens in Lisburn killed the 32-year-old at her home in Lurgan County Armagh in December 2022. McNally was 15 weeks pregnant at the time.

McCullagh stabbed and beat McNally to death. He provided police with a false alibi claiming a live YouTube stream on the night of the murder. He later admitted pre-recording the video days earlier. Arrested the day her body was found he was released before a second arrest almost two months later.

McCullagh attended McNally's wake on Christmas Day. Noel McNally Natalie's father said the family left him alone with her body for 20 to 30 minutes. Bernie McNally Natalie's mother said one son took McCullagh to her grave. The parents described bringing him food and having no suspicion of his involvement.

Natalie's brother Declan McNally said she would have been an amazing mother to their son whom she planned to name Dean. The family expressed relief after almost four years waiting for the verdict but called the delay unforgivable. They believe McCullagh remains a danger to society.

The judge informed the court the murder carries a life sentence with the minimum term to be set in May. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said rates of violence against women in Northern Ireland should horrify everyone. She noted most victims are killed by partners or men known to them especially when leaving those relationships.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt told the Stormont Health Committee the issue requires a whole-of-government response. He mentioned violence against women as the main focus of a recent Executive meeting. A 30-year-old man faces arrest on suspicion of murdering Amy Doherty in Londonderry. Martin McCarney 45 from Enniskillen faces charges in the death of Ellie Flanagan 23 found dead there on 7 March.