Full Breakdown
Trial of Stephen McCullagh for the Murder of Natalie McNally
3/7/2026, 12:02:03 AM
Core Event: Allegations of Murder and Family Testimony
Stephen McCullagh, 35, is on trial for the alleged murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, who was found dead in her home in Silverwood Green, Lurgan, on December 18, 2022. McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. The court has heard testimonies from McNally's family regarding McCullagh's behavior and statements made during her wake on Christmas Day.
Family Testimonies at the Wake
During the proceedings at Belfast Crown Court, McNally's father, Noel McNally, testified that McCullagh claimed he found her body after becoming concerned when she did not respond to his texts. He recounted that McCullagh described entering the house, seeing McNally's dog, River, and then discovering her lying at the top of the stairs. McCullagh allegedly told the family he called emergency services and informed them of McNally's pregnancy.
Noel McNally noted that the family welcomed McCullagh into their home, believing he was no longer a suspect in the investigation. He described McCullagh as distraught and said the family treated him with compassion, allowing him to be alone with McNally's coffin for a period during the wake.
Discrepancies in McCullagh's Statements
The defense, represented by barrister John Kearney, questioned the accuracy of McCullagh's recollections. Family members testified that McCullagh claimed he had texted McNally to check on her, a statement he later denied. They also reported that he expressed concerns about how he was treated by police during his arrest, alleging mistreatment and a lack of cooperation from law enforcement.
Declan McNally, another brother, mentioned that McCullagh suggested McNally might have been attacked by her ex-boyfriend, who he believed could have been involved in her death. This claim was not disputed by the defense but was also not confirmed.
Emotional Responses and Media Attention
During the wake, McCullagh reportedly expressed distress over the media coverage of McNally's death, stating that he wanted the story to remain prominent in the news. He described feeling disheartened when he noticed the coverage waning, indicating a desire for the case to receive international attention.
Criticism & Opposition: Family's Perspective
Despite the family's initial compassion towards McCullagh, there are underlying tensions. Noel McNally expressed annoyance at McCullagh's repeated references to McNally as "my Natalie," given their brief relationship duration. The family’s treatment of McCullagh has been scrutinized, as they grapple with their grief while navigating the complexities of the trial.
What's Next: Ongoing Trial Proceedings
The trial continues as the court examines further evidence and testimonies regarding the circumstances surrounding Natalie McNally's death. The judge has lifted reporting restrictions, allowing for greater public access to the proceedings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think he started to tell us he was doing the gaming, to (when) he found the body – it was just one long story, I don’t think anyone interrupted him during that time.” — Noel McNally, Father of Natalie McNally
- “He said if he was working he would ensure that the story was on top,” — Brendan McNally, Brother of Natalie McNally
- “As far as we were concerned, he had nothing to do with her death and was a grieving partner and a grieving father-to-be.” — Noel McNally, Father of Natalie McNally
- “how could anyone have done this to her” — Stephen McCullagh, Accused, as recounted by Brendan McNally
The trial remains a focal point for the community as it seeks justice for Natalie McNally and clarity on the events leading to her tragic death.
