Stephen McCullagh To Serve Minimum Of 31 Years For Murder Of Natalie McNally

Stephen McCullagh has been told he will serve a minimum of 31 years in prison for the murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan. Natalie, who was 15 weeks pregnant, was killed in her own home in December 2022. Police described the case as a tragic domestic homicide and said their thoughts remain with Natalie’s loved ones.

Stephen McCullagh has been told he will serve a minimum of 31 years in prison for the murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan.

McCullagh appeared before Belfast Crown Court today, Wednesday 3 June 2026, following his conviction for Natalie’s murder.

The 36-year-old had already been given a life sentence in March after a jury unanimously found him guilty.

Natalie McNally was 32 years old when she was murdered in her own home. She was 15 weeks pregnant and had been looking forward to becoming a mother.

Stephen McCullagh Sentencing At Belfast Crown Court

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness, the Senior Investigating Officer, said Natalie was a “much-loved daughter and sister” who had been planning the rest of her life as a mother.

Police said McCullagh travelled to Natalie’s home in Lurgan on Sunday 18 December 2022, the week before Christmas.

There, he carried out what police described as a sustained and shockingly violent attack, which took Natalie’s life and the life of her unborn son.

After returning to his home in Lisburn, police said McCullagh went back to the address around 24 hours later. He then pretended to have just discovered the scene and phoned the Ambulance Service.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness said McCullagh “masqueraded as a distraught and caring partner” in the weeks that followed.

Police Investigation Into Natalie McNally Murder

Police said McCullagh was arrested at the scene and initially released.

Following a major investigation, which included hundreds of house-to-house enquiries and thousands of hours of CCTV footage, he was re-arrested and charged.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness said the murder “sent shockwaves right across the community”.

He added that the attack was not only distressingly brutal, but “meticulously and coldly premeditated”.

False Livestream Alibi Uncovered By Cyber Crime Officers

Police said McCullagh had devised an alibi by appearing to livestream for six hours on a social media platform at the time of Natalie’s murder.

However, investigators later established that the footage had been pre-recorded several days earlier.

Police said McCullagh had walked some distance from his home and taken a bus to Lurgan while concealing his appearance.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness said evidence obtained by Cyber Crime officers proved the livestream footage was not live.

He said the conviction followed the work of the Major Investigation Team, wider policing teams and the Public Prosecution Service.

Police Describe Case As Domestic Homicide

Police described the murder of Natalie McNally as a tragic case of domestic homicide.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness said domestic abuse can take many forms and can affect anyone.

He said violence against women and girls remains a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

He added: “It can’t be and won’t be tolerated.”

Police also praised Natalie’s family for showing “incredible dignity and strength” throughout the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness said their kindness stood in stark contrast to the cruelty and calculated deceit shown by McCullagh.

Thoughts Remain With Natalie McNally’s Family

As the court proceedings concluded, police said their thoughts remained firmly with Natalie’s loved ones.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness said Natalie’s family had lost both Natalie and the baby boy they had been looking forward to welcoming.

He also acknowledged the family’s strength in speaking out, not only about their own loss, but about violence against women and girls more widely.