Stephen McCullagh, 36, has been ordered to serve at least 31 years of a life term for the murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan. Ms McNally was 32 years old and 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed in her home on 18 December 2022.

McCullagh attacked her with a knife and strangled her after also beating her. He then left the scene and returned the following day, where he pretended to have just discovered her body and phoned for an ambulance.

The court heard that McCullagh had carefully planned the killing, creating a false alibi by pre-recording a six-hour YouTube livestream that he presented as being broadcast live at the time of the murder. He wore a disguise and took a bus to Lurgan to carry out the attack. He also falsely told acquaintances that Ms McNally's former partner was harassing her, in an attempt to divert suspicion.

Police initially arrested McCullagh at the scene but later released him. He was re-arrested on 31 January 2023 after a major investigation involving hundreds of house-to-house inquiries and analysis of thousands of hours of CCTV footage. Cyber crime officers established that the livestream had been recorded days in advance.

A jury at Belfast Crown Court returned a unanimous guilty verdict on 23 March 2026. The sentencing judge imposed a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 31 years, reflecting the premeditated nature of the crime and McCullagh's lack of remorse.

Catherine Kierans, Head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit, described the murder as a calculated act of domestic homicide. She commended the bravery of Ms McNally's family, who attended every court hearing, and thanked the jury and witnesses, including the ex-partner whom McCullagh had falsely accused. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said the investigation was complex and the attack had been sustained and violent. He also paid tribute to the dignity shown by the family.

Both officials highlighted the wider issue of violence against women and girls, urging anyone affected by domestic abuse to seek help from police or support organisations.