The YouTuber fake livestream murder case shocked many after it revealed how a pre-recorded video was used as a false alibi. In 2022, Stephen McCullagh murdered his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, while a fake livestream played online to cover his tracks.
In 2022, Stephen McCullagh killed his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, and attempted to hide the crime behind a carefully planned digital alibi. What seemed like a clever plan quickly fell apart under forensic investigation.
A Planned Livestream That Was Never Live
On 18 December 2022, McCullagh told his followers he would stream a gaming session later that evening.
The video appeared to show him playing games, drinking, and talking casually. However, he claimed he could not respond to viewers due to technical issues. That detail later raised suspicion.
Experts confirmed the truth during the trial. The six-hour livestream had been recorded four days earlier. It was not live at all.
While the video played online, McCullagh was committing the murder.
Disturbing Clues Inside the Video
The recorded stream contained troubling moments.
At one point, while playing a violent game, McCullagh sang lyrics about killing a woman. He even mentioned Natalie’s name briefly.
Soon after, he paused the stream. During this break, a random movie poster appeared on screen, which seemed out of place.
He never explained these moments in court.
The Night of the Murder
That same evening, Natalie spent time with her family before returning home around 7:00 PM.
Meanwhile, McCullagh traveled miles using buses while wearing dark clothes and covering his face. He had already checked transport routes in advance.
Police believe he reached her house between 8:50 PM and 9:30 PM.
He attacked her in a brutal manner. She suffered multiple stab wounds, strangulation, and severe head injuries.
After the crime, he changed clothes and tried to return home quietly. CCTV footage later tracked his movements.
A Fake Story and Misleading Police
After returning home, McCullagh stopped the video and deleted the original file.
He then sent messages from Natalie’s phone to create confusion. He also contacted friends to strengthen his alibi.
The next day, he went to her house and called emergency services, pretending to be shocked. He cried on the phone and blamed a former partner.
At first, police believed him. He was even cleared as a suspect shortly after.
Deception That Continued for Weeks
McCullagh continued acting as a grieving partner.
He attended Natalie’s funeral events, visited her grave, and stayed close to her family. He even created a tribute video.
In a disturbing move, he secretly recorded conversations inside her family’s home. He later claimed it was accidental, but evidence suggested otherwise.
What Was the Motive?
The exact reason behind the murder remains unclear.
However, the court heard that Natalie had been talking to other men and was thinking about ending the relationship.
McCullagh may have discovered those messages. His past behavior showed signs of jealousy and control.
Still, the level of planning suggested more than just emotional anger.
A Carefully Built Lie Falls Apart
For weeks, McCullagh believed his plan had worked.
But digital evidence, CCTV footage, and forensic analysis exposed the truth. His fake livestream became the key piece of evidence against him.
What he thought would protect him ended up proving his guilt.
