Virtual Alibi: The Chilling Case Of Natalie McNally

Christmas is a time for much excitement, and for Natalie McNally it was no different. She had a lot to be thankful for. But when she failed to turn up for work people were immediately worried, and this would be just the beginning of one of the most complex investigations ever faced by the police.
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[@MattCarvin]

No wonder the poor doggo freaked out and ran away when Steven came in- he recognized the killer coming back in.

[@user-fx1vh6jw1x]

aw man :( . I am glad the pup made a recovery.

[@eadweard.]

Dogs can actually smell guilt.

[@jamesshaw4272]

@@eadweard. they dont need to smell it if they see it

[@fluffdj2837]

What about the cats 😕

[@MattCarvin]

@@fluffdj2837 were there cats?

[@carterzealand5423]

the part where he says “I think it will be a really good Christmas this year…” and laughs to himself is so chilling. what a disgusting POS

[@peterthecatlady4976]

So, it sounds like you think he’s guilty?

[@edhunter3838]

@@peterthecatlady4976 because he is .......... another trash on this planet !!!

[@amyme4066]

​@@peterthecatlady4976you watched the same video...don't you think he is guilty?

[@peterthecatlady4976]

@@amyme4066 I haven’t heard enough evidence to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

[@adambane1719]

@@peterthecatlady4976 ..."reasonable doubt"... from a KZbin video, lol !

[@Matilda-y]

The poor police that had to watch 6 hours of that supposed live stream, i hope you’re doing okay now

[@elle_blair]

Legit, I was bored to tears with his ramblings.

[@roryslaine7896]

Don't feel too bad for the police. They nearly fucking botched this entire investigation.

[@JamesCM86]

Was just thinking this. Absolute torture

[@alexx5064]

@@roryslaine7896absolutely agree. anyone who has seen a stream would have been able to figure this out in less than a MONTH

[@AACE73]

Should've been charged with Assaulting KZbin Viewers as well

[@mol588]

To all the McNally family, so sorry for your loss .. God rest your beautiful Natalie 🌹

[@Bamont]

I’ve seen this case (among others) covered on other True Crime channels, but I can always count on this channel to deliver a truly nuanced deep dive while still being respectful to the victim.

[@nicolebell9627]

same, there's more in depth with this video

[@nomada6789]

Amen 🙏

[@BraidedYogi]

I've seen this case countless times but never have I learnt this much about Natalie. Honestly, when I clicked on it I didn't expect it to be this case. Well done TC for doing a great job telling the victim's story with so much respect to her and her family!

[@madstayy]

the ones i've seen focuses more on him rather than natalie and her family

[@privatelyprivate3285]

Indeed, always more details than most, regardless of what direction they point to. Worst offenders are the main, bigger-budgeted, supposedly proven/reputable tv ones (Dateline, 20/20, 48hrs) - one always seems to immediately highlight significant evidence that the other didn’t even MENTION when covering the same cases, often consulting completely different police officers (who somehow ALL were the primary assigned???), always presented in their narrative-suited order (never chronological)…ugh. But, you know…”Coming up next!”, and “Where we left off…” 🙄🙄🙄

[@larrylarry6362]

His acting is ridiculous. Why didn’t he just title it “The I’m DEFINITELY NOT Killing My Girlfriend (Like, Seriously, not at all) Livestream”?

[@JulieRushworth]

I'm drinking and driving but not driving outside! Absolute tool

[@Faristol7]

He actually gave it away there - he had to rectify very quickly, and over & over again. At that point in his 'live stream', l knew he was the killer.​@@JulieRushworth

[@privatelyprivate3285]

Oh, was it gonna be live? As in all in real time? He seemed so nonchalant about it all definitely being all in real time and live at the time…as in real time…like, live

[@lamontjohnson5810]

You hit the nail on the head with this one.

[@calspace]

Why does no one ever, when discussing this case, suggest he didn't want to be a father? It's hardly the first time an unwilling father has killed his pregnant partner.

[@rosec6680]

He was an overgrown toddler by the looks of it. Evil monster should have just said he wasn't going to be active in the baby's life, not kill. Coward.

[@JayJay32186]

I agree. He was a man-child himself.

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

Yes, I was thinking exactly that. He clearly didn't want the responsibilities but to do what he did is just unforgivable. The heartbreak the family went through is unimaginable. Sickening. The way he went about to cover for the time he was committing the horrendous murder and the alibi just gave me shivers. The man is pure evil.

[@joli395]

Absolutely! I was thinking exactly the same. From his "life stream" you can see how immature he was and how much he drank! He surely was not ready for fatherhood!

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

You sound chillingly nonchalant & cold Murder is wrong in a civilised society. No one has a right to murder for whatever reason.

[@Matt-bs9ym]

I hate this guy (even besides the murderer part) he is so annoying

[@sheffieldamanda]

Imagine sitting through 4 hours of him wittering on! 😮

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

@@sheffieldamandaYes, it’s hard to believe people followed him online. 🤷‍♀️

[@jessicafrost4563]

Right I can't stand him

[@millwallholdings]

@@TheDriftwoodlover Lots of other sados like him about

[@marirothbauer5407]

Hideous guy Thought it was strange he was not with her at her parents place. Women should make sure their partner wants a baby some men do not want to be burdened with a child and paying maintenance for many years. Her injuries were full of hate how evil he was.

[@robhigh5991]

This is one of those when I'm sure most of us knew the "outcome" within minutes of this dude mentioning the word "live" umpteen times...

[@kaitecarter8180]

As soon as they got payed the clip of his “live” I knew it was him. Comments confirmed it for me.

[@user-jb3hw3qw2t]

I didn’t know he had texted her “wish me luck” before setting the plan into motion. Seems like he couldn’t resist the irony of having his victim unknowingly wish him luck with her murder

[@PrimaBlablarina]

😱

[@lamontjohnson5810]

What a cruel evil baztard‼️

[@suzimonkey345]

I’ve experienced tragedy in my family. “Frozen in time, within a nightmare.” Is such a hauntingly perfect way of expressing those countless months after. Thank you.

[@Fiona_Interrupted]

I hope you have been able to find peace

[@1man_crowd]

The livestream idea backfired grandiously. Instead of giving the expected alibi it provided clear proof of premeditation.

[@rebel4466]

If he pulled it off better, it would have been a really good alibi though

[@GenZMother]

It’s hard to know what Natalie saw in the insufferable tw5t.

[@AACE73]

I was thinking exactly that!

[@leilasmith9028]

My thoughts exactly. And how did he have so many followers on KZbin? The most boring videos I’ve ever had to sit through.

[@margaretwhittaker2291]

my thoughts too, he was a teenager trapped in a man's body but with a dark, twisted mind and evil soul.

[@baby_joe]

Have i missed something? In what way was this so sophisticated and clever? He just recorded something and pretended it was live. And got a cab driver to drop him off at a different location to the one he booked. And used the record feature on a mobile phone. He's hardly a criminal genius - he is caught multiple times on cctv!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Exactly !! The idea that he was some kind of criminal mastermind...???? He didn't - as far as I know - leave any DNA evidence ? So it's nearly all circumstantial at moment . Shouldn't be a problem but it does give his lawyers a slim chance...??

[@AACE73]

​@@2msvalkyrie529They'll only have to utter the words "reasonable doubt" & just one person on the jury has to buy it

[@sharai73]

I’m from Co Armagh where Natalie was from this kind of premeditated murder doesn’t happen Northern Ireland a very tiny 50 years behind kind of place and I loved it for that reason but the PSNI is ol boys club you heard them say the fact they have to show cctv evidence at the trial means moving it to Belfast 😂😂

[@margaretwhittaker2291]

very good points, not to mention the bus ride, where he revealed the marigold glove beneath the black glove, witnessed by a passenger.

[@calamitiesagain7014]

He thought he was sooooo clever

[@bl_nderscore]

​@KatherineLaura6564 are you implying that justifies murder

[@bl_nderscore]

@KatherineLaura6564 the whole point of implying is you arent outright saying it youre just suggesting it

[@Guitarbarella]

The fact you can set a video to premiere at any time for KZbin without actually being there to launch it is gunna see him guilty-he’s not only a monster, he’s a stupid moron of a momster.

[@wendysmobilehomesweethome423]

I lost my oldest sister in a car accident in 1987. The shock and grief is just horrible; you just think "why?". It's so difficult to come to terms with, but to lose someone like what happened to Natalie? I can't imagine how you'd ever get past it. I wish her family all the best., and hope they can somehow find comfort in knowing that other people really care. This is just terrible.

[@Ciara-tn5rf]

That's a really lovely, thoughtful comment. Your sister would be very proud of you xx

[@lizc6393]

I lost my big sis to suicide in 2013, the pain of losing a sibling is something else... Two years later I was my mother's hospice caregiver as she died from a very painful and unexpected cancer, I was 24. Losing mama was pure hell, but still somehow losing my pookie was worse: when I got that phone call I let out the loudest, gutteral shrieking "NO" it was completely inadvertent, I shrieked before I had a chance to even construct a rational sentence. Anyway, I agree, losing someone this way is unimaginable. I pray this comment finds you well, God bless you.

[@kandicemcquary-fortner8106]

I am sorry for your loss and understand that searing pain to the heart all too well. My mother & best friend was ripped from us along with my grandmother and tried to cover it up with a house fire. I was 23 w/ a 6 month old at the time and the grief and questions of WHY!?! I can relate to the family members but for loosing a child!!…can’t imagine that hurt. 😞

[@wendysmobilehomesweethome423]

@@Ciara-tn5rf Thank you, that was a lovely thing to say. Truly.

[@wendysmobilehomesweethome423]

@@lizc6393 I'm so sorry you experienced that, it must have been just terrible. God bless you as well.

[@AnUntitledPicture]

It creeps me out that I was subscribed to him for years, even supported him on Patreon for a while and briefly talked to him online a few times. Think I even remember tuning into the stream briefly or watched some of it a few days after, unaware of what had happened...

[@ShanaKendle]

That is creepy!

[@AlbionRising]

He sounds unbearable even without knowing what he did!!

[@user-sj8fu8cw9g]

@@AlbionRisingLMAO!!!

[@Silkysmooth-qk5nc]

You have terrible taste I couldn’t even get past the few minutes they showed

[@lamontjohnson5810]

Good grief. Sorry to hear this. I know you must feel bad, but what did you find interesting in this guy? Looking at the excerpts from his “livestream” that totally was not live, his content is about as pleasing as a root canal with no anesthesia and he seems so disingenuous. I struggle to see what any of his 40K followers saw in his videos.

[@isobelbartonreis]

That poor girl!! Please give us an update when it goes to trial! Thank you so much for all you do. Love your channel!

[@carleyjxoxo]

Not the doggy getting hit by a car!!! So glad he was okay though, probably gives her parents some comfort. What an awful, awful case. Natalie had so much life to live.

[@Faristol7]

I can't understand why an intelligent, attractive, popular girl would choose to be with an idiot like this, and go as far as having a baby with him.....Really amazes me. What has our society come to when a hard-working, talented girl gets herself involved with an overgrown teenager who sends out pathetic videos from his mother's basement (likely), and thinks nothing of getting himself tanked up on alcohol for all the world to see when he should be at home with his girlfriend and looking after her & the baby to be. Funny times we live in.....

[@AACE73]

But what happened to the two kitties?? 😟

[@user-io3fj5we3k]

What I loved so much about this video - was the way that you did not give anything away about Stephen initially. You saved it for later which made it all the more shocking

[@dalriadajohannsen]

I appreciate that this channel focuses on the victim, more so than the perpetrator. 🌹

[@simonw1313]

These programs tend to sentimentalise the victim - do any people who are just run of the mill humans get murdered, or just saints who *checks notes* has some sort of "sexualised" relationship with another man while she's pregnant with his child. Her behaviour, while absolutely not deserving murder, was pretty stupid and nasty. Getting pregnant with someone she'd only known for a couple of months and then cheating on them. If you're not happy in a relationship leave it like an adult.

[@purplechicklover]

Absolutely disgusting. You killed not only your girlfriend, but your unborn child. I pray that Natalie's family has been able to find a way to heal after such a horrific tragedy. RIP to Natalie and her precious baby boy.

[@cogitoergospud1]

Not to belabor the point, but given how many people she was sleeping with at the same time, it wasn’t really established that it was his child. Not that this makes any difference to the horrendous act.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

​@@cogitoergospud1I think they said she was 'in touch with AN ex boyfriend'. Bit of a leap from that to sleeping around with numerous people

[@rickproductions9497]

@@thehangingparsiple5692if you have a baby, you can’t do sexting with your ex or other numerous people. Everyone talking about how bad was the guy yet no one mentions she was speaking to others, despite of being pregnant. She didn’t deserve to die of course but if they were divorced over this, he still had to pay child support. Where is the justice in this?

[@helenbrydon1113]

@@rickproductions9497victim blaming….how lovely

[@InternetStorm]

​@@thehangingparsiple5692Not much of a leap at all. 27:40 "The prosecution suggests [that] sexualized contact with this individual [the ex] and indeed OTHERS over a period of time"... Keyword being "Others", suggesting she was cheating on him with two or more different people at the very least.

[@terryford7459]

🕊️🥀 It's great the Livestream have time stamps!! RIP Natalie!!💔🙏🏾😢

[@Dreas_Diaz88]

Forever the best Tru Crime show on KZbin 🙌🏽

[@adambane1719]

Minus the man hate of course

[@Wben113]

Yeah, he didn't want a kid, period. He hadn't married her, so there was a great chance that this was a huge surprise . He doesn't seem to be too mature and the seriousness of having to support a wife and child would be terrifying to someone like him. Crazy stuff and the stories will get crazier and crazier as society and the nuclear family totally collapses.

[@andryiad9467]

So instead of being a dead beat dad he choose murder. So disgusting! He deserves to be under the jail!

[@privatelyprivate3285]

Right? Just walk away, man! wtf

[@weave_of_k]

Thank you for not regurgitating the same cases like most channels with similar content. This is truly a gem of a KZbin channel.

[@clivematthews95]

This is so messed up and so surreal, it’s like something you’d see out of a crime drama, like CSI or Monk. I mean, it’s very diabolical

[@privatelyprivate3285]

Sick and evil, yes… _Diabolical_ is giving this fantasist the kind of IQ points he’s seeking for not having them

[@kandicemcquary-fortner8106]

I absolutely love your page. I don’t think there is any posts left that I haven’t watched. Your voice combined with the excellent editing and content makes this my firm favorite in reality crime shows. Plz keep them coming! 🥰

[@tjol8736]

💯 agree. You've got a great channel. Keep doing what you love. I'm grateful! Great, respectful, true crime content!

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

Agreed

[@kaylaaa6351]

I think it's great that this channel focused on Natalie instead of her murderer. She and her unborn baby are the main focus.

[@alexx5064]

this channel is on another level. truly nuanced, kind, well written scripts that don’t put the murderer on a pedestal

[@masterakinskywalker]

I know you probably get comments like this all the time but you are my favourite true crime channel, if not my favourite channel on youtube. You cover cases respectfully and very informatively without dramatising the cases you cover unlike a lot of other true crime channels/accounts online. The respect you show for the victims and their families is outstanding and your intensive research shows itself so well in all the content you create. Keep up the phenomenal work!

[@GypsyRock]

15:14 gosh her poor mom deteriorated physically in a big way. I don't know how families even keep themselves afloat after things like this. God bless Natalie and Declan and their family

[@ruthg8799]

Absolutely- particularly jarring when you compare it to the photo of Natalie and her parents at 5:06…they were so full of joy and life.

[@Ciara-tn5rf]

Really lovely comment. Great to see compassion in this day and age xx

[@sharai73]

Her poor wee mummy my heart broke listening to her say Natalie saying goodbye “mummy” it’s such a northern Irish thing to still hear grown men and women using mummy instead of mum are ma

[@Suzanne2909]

Please keep us updated on this case. Love your channel!

[@sharonbrowne3442]

And now my Saturday is complete. Thank you

[@melodyblanchard2017]

same here !!

[@hannah3146]

​@@melodyblanchard2017it's so sad the innocence and lives lost but I aswell so look forward to Saturdays and this channel

[@pv2639]

Abso-effing-nat'lie

[@munanassar1123]

@@pv2639m

[@adambane1719]

Imagine a world where women work for a living

[@evelinenauta7519]

The live stream not being live but (pre-)recorded was the first thing that came to my mind, can’t believe they didn’t check this immediately!

[@JustinTurdoCastro420]

Saturday is always the best day on KZbin, Truly Criminal, Mr Ballen, Ants Canada and much more!

[@jwallabaddabingbaddoboomgu257]

Evil among us is a really good channel too x

[@TubularBelles]

I can’t watch Mr Ballen with his ridiculous intros.

[@T.T.E.O.T.]

​@TubularBelles his intros are the best.. I absolutely love when he starts laughing at his own like button jokes.. if that's the only thing keeping you from watching his videos why don't you just skip ahead a couple seconds LOL

[@1amazinggoddess]

when I heard him say “abso-fucking-Natalie” for the first time it sent shivers down my spine. I’ve listened to 911 calls and other horrific audios, but there’s something about the way he said it that haunts me to this day. Just so casual and cold

[@bellagiancola4952]

I heard of this case just a few months after he got charged. I saw snippets of the livestream and he literally was throwing a lot of crumbs that may sound like nothing, but becomes bone chilling once you know the details of Natalie's murder.

[@Faristol7]

Yes - he obviously hated her. I'm surprised Natalie had not realised this, being an intelligent girl.

[@bronbagby]

I thought he said abso-fucking-not-ly? Or am I wrong

[@mikesanders8621]

You're wrong.

[@leiakiki3525]

@@bronbagby he says it twice, the first time ‘not-ly’ then again right after he says ‘nata-ly’.

[@lornaginetteharrison7168]

Frighteningly, homicide is now the leading cause of death during pregnancy and the postpartum period following childbirth in the US. In the most recent figures, pregnant and postpartum women were at a 16% higher risk of being murdered, compared to their non-pregnant counterparts, and as mentioned in this video, there was a two-fold jump in the risk of homicide associated with pregnancy during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, whenever a pregnant woman is murdered it’s nearly always the father of the child, who’s taken the ultimate cowardly action because he doesn’t want the responsibility of a kid. If you aren’t ready/don’t want to be a parent, take precautions! Get a vasectomy if you refuse to use contraception, but most importantly, talk to your partner so you’re on the same page about whether or not you want children.

[@Felbicky1]

Agree but technically * femicide

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Men forced to be fathers against their will, forced to pay child support for 20 years for a kid they never wanted. I just think this kind of force creates desperation. There is no excuse for murder under any circumstances, but people have got to start looking seriously at the virtual enslavement of men in this way by the family court systems.

[@kevinmeeks5169]

​@@LadyIarConnachtWE can use protection. WE can get a vasectomy. Its our fault if we don't want kids but then get a chick pregnant. What are you even talking about? And I know a lot of men who leave and don't have nothing to do with their kid, don't even pay child support. If you lay down with someone without protection, it's your fault if you get pregnant. Pretty simple

[@kevinmeeks5169]

​@@LadyIarConnachtstop making excuses for murder.

[@God66]

​@@LadyIarConnacht A condom prevents child support and would also have prevented your comment

[@mandyjjonesj5541]

genuinely one of my favourite utube channels. so formative, and the cases are always told very well and respectful. thank you for bringing truly criminal.......👏👏

[@Hannah-ks4mi]

RIP Natalie and Dean 💚

[@yonycka16]

This case always makes me cry. Such a lovely woman, rest with stars. Amazing narration, love you

[@coastermom7027]

Just recently discovered your channel and am loving all your content🙌

[@jeepgirl5283]

I love your channel! The way you tell the story is very interesting and I look forward to all your stories! Thank you

[@user-st2uq4mq6k]

I know this case and everyone at truly criminal did an amazing job. Respect and compassion while adding information. Thank you

[@ianationwidee2307]

Another fantastic upload. Brilliantly narrated and superb attention to detail. Best channel on KZbin by a mile, really look forward to your Saturday upload.

[@eddo1983]

Who would want to waste time watching someone play GTA Vice City with horrendous commentary for 6 hours?

[@mikesanders8621]

Welcome to the internet, you must be new here.

[@user-ql2ow2nr3k]

He is a complete w8nker. Why this lovely woman ever had anything to do with him is beyond me.

[@Ineedgames]

Same audience who follow a killer?

[@Matilda-y]

@@mikesanders8621😂

[@Matilda-y]

It could be used as a form of torture

[@MsAliemm]

I'm interested in why he needed 20 mins alone with her before the funeral. Did he put anything in the coffin? Shame they weren't suspicious of him then, they might have had recording equipment there...not that I think he apologised at all, but I do think he quite possibly gloated about what he had done and or told her what he thought of her. My sincere condolences to all of Natalies loved ones. Such a senseless loss of a beautiful young mother to be.

[@dcjunlanate]

That seems like a normal thing since so many people will be around and you won’t get your last moments alone with that person. I’ve seen it. But not sure if why he needed that time was something he used for bad intentions.

[@meganccc3210]

I wish the family had suspected him, that would have been the perfect time to record him. He seems like a total narcissist, I honestly believe he spent that time taunting her that he'd gotten away with it.

[@karlaplascencia7998]

What a sick man. He should have broken up with her. Eventually all of the truth is found.

[@Faristol7]

'Men' like this seems to abound these days. I would call him an 'incel', although he was obviously having sex with Natalie. Poor girl hadn't known him for long, and then gets herself pregnant by him - very dangerous situation when you don't really know who you're dealing with. From what l can see in his livestream excerpts, he seems divorced from reality, living in his small, isolated world of video games, alcohol and asinine monologues. Recipe for disaster. RIP Natalie.

[@solasolar1]

Moments into his fake Livestream I suspected him. He couldn't have been more obvious.

[@judedonnelly4100]

IMAGINE MURDERING AN INNOCENT PREGNANT WOMAN.. NOT ONLY THAT BUT YOUR OWN CHILD.... HE'S FULL OF IT.... NARCISSISTIC TO THE EXTREME.. ME,ME,ME........... HE SHOULD NEVER BREATHE FRESH AIR AGAIN..... THAT POOR POOR FAMILY AND THEIR PAIN...... THEIR LIVES ARE RUINED.....

[@MoonW0k]

I'm not saying what he's done was good, but she isn't all that innocent at 27:30 Multiple sexual relation with different men while pregnant?

[@vi9763]

​@MoonW0k How many men have had multiple partners while their partner's have been pregnant. It does happen. I disagree that her possible infidelity was a reason for her own murder.

[@vi9763]

​@@MoonW0k Are only pure and innocent murdered women worthy of your sympathy?

[@ayeshaeeman5324]

😢

[@user-jb3hw3qw2t]

@@MoonW0khe slaughtered his pregnant girlfriend and orchestrated a bizarre cover up laden with little hints to amuse himself. He asked her distraught family for 20 minutes alone with her corpse afterward. Its so weird that this is what you had to say about it

[@carolynloughran5450]

Chilling indeed. My god! On a good note, THANK YOU to these sisters (I think I recall hearing that it’s sisters) for creating THE BEST TRUE CRIME channel on KZbin. I’ve been watching from its inception and know that theirs is simply the best 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿

[@laurenroberts3821]

I read the title and immediately thought "that name sounds like someone who would be from my country", 30 seconds in and I find out she is, kind of brings this one closer to home 💔

[@theworldofron2712]

Great job once again! My favorite true crime KZbin channel. I will also listen to this online in my car sometime this week.

[@katedavidson3854]

I’ve seen another video about this case but you narrated a different way and gave a better perspective through her poor family’s side.

[@kellykapowski1969]

As usual, the storytelling on this channel is soo good! Thank you, narrator. You have a fan x 😊

[@fulanichild3138]

An unplanned pregnancy is one of the most dangerous times for a woman with an abuser. If only there were a highly effective, set-it-and-forget-it birth control for men. If both men and women were responsible for family planning, there would be a lot fewer unplanned pregnancies, and likely fewer cases like this.

[@sana.J182]

Thank you for making my Saturday

[@darthkahn45]

Those "20 minutes to say goodbye to her in private" You can imagine the kind of things he was actually saying.

[@bexyyx]

Absolutely love your content!

[@Dr3Mc3Ninja]

The only solace we have is that he cannot claim it was a heat of the moment attack. Stephen really thought he was smart, but he really just guaranteed a premeditated murder charge because of that pre-recorded "livestream" alibi. As soon as I heard she was pregnant, I said it is the baby daddy. No sign of a break in, either. It was obviously the partner. The police fumbled this early on. The police had the audacity to claim that other women had nothing to fear, whilst also having released Stephen when his alibi was clearly fake. No chat, first livestream in over a year. Conveniently during the exact timeframe which Natalie was murdered. Anyone who is savvy with YT could have clocked that as a pre-recorded video. I feel for her family, he attended the rally in the local park, and most likely it was him that made the memorial video which had clips of her from childhood through to adulthood. The trauma her family must have, after having been mislead by police that he was cleared as a suspect. I am still hoping someone in Maghaberry deals with him. He managed to delay the court case because of mental health concerns. Tough, cuff him and he cannot unalive himself. When we finally found out his name, I looked at his Reddit and YT. Man was obviously a man-child, refusing to grow up. I look up to see if he has finally spun his version of events.

[@DJ-ct6so]

The process isn't necessarily as simple as you make it sound. Police can't just arrest a suspect because it's "obvious" that he's guilty. The evidence against the suspect has to meet a certain legal standard. Also there are occasions when LE delay laying charges because they believe they have a good chance of making a stronger case, or a more serious charge that carries a longer prison sentence, by waiting until more evidence comes to light. Then there are occasions where the police want to go to trial but the DA (in the UK it's the CPS) wants to see stronger evidence. The more loose ends, then potentially the more reasons there are for the defense to attempt to cut a plea deal. I don't know if there's a double jeopardy law in the UK, but in the US if, for whatever reason, the jury comes back with a not guilty verdict, then the same suspect can't be tried again, even if there is absolute proof later on that he did it. Juries can be very fickle, and a good defense lawyer can often plant some good reasons that cause doubt. There have been plenty of cases on YT crime channels where many readers in the comments section have strongly disagreed with a jury's verdict. There have also been (albeit rare) cases where a "slam dunk" guilty suspect spent several years in prison, but then after DNA tech improved, the "obviously" guilty suspect's DNA was found to be a non-match, and he was eventually released after being wrongly imprisoned. The checks and balances are there for a reason.

[@dreamcatcher3861]

Well written comment. You sound close to this case, if you are, I’m so sorry for your loss, this was a truly awful crime. What I’m afraid of is; Stephen using mitigation of, ‘The baby wasn’t mine, it was the ex boyfriend’s and she was having an affair which pushed me to do it’. I can see him trying to smear beautiful Natalie’s name in the media and she’s not here to protect herself. Defending lawyers who use this tactic should be locked up with the offender for using these horrendous tactics too. I know it sounds horrendous but I hope they have dna from the poor baby, the prosecution may need it to disprove that mitigation and get a harsher sentence. My heart goes out to Natalie’s loved ones. I hope Stephen rots.

[@Dr3Mc3Ninja]

​@@DJ-ct6so The issue was that he was cleared as a suspect, as opposed to released, the police then told local women that they have nothing to be afraid of. I understand they want to let suspects tie their own noose, and they cannot hold people based on a hunch. The issue was that they made people believe Stephen was completely innocent, which allowed him to get closer to her family. That will have been emotionally damaging to them. To know they welcomed their daughter's killer, into their home.

[@Dr3Mc3Ninja]

​@@dreamcatcher3861I didn't know her, but have friends who are distantly related, went to school with her, and someone who has a relative close to her parents. I fear the same, he will absolutely attempt to smear her name and reputation. I can only hope the judge gives a harsh sentence, but as we often see on this channel, they never really get enough.

[@sharai73]

@@Dr3Mc3Ninjahopefully the lads on the inside deal with him This had happened in 80/90 Northern Ireland he would have no knees a very bare minimum

[@hithere6701]

He hadn't grown up and was really selfish, the thought of being responsible for another human being and being a father was not his 'thing' and he decided murdering the mother and child was best way to go! What on earth! Psychopath!

[@VAPrepper757]

Sorry your BF was a 33yo that acted like a 13yo with his video games and not wanting to man up and be a dad with the baby on the way! Judge should give the dad and her brothers 5 minutes alone with the man child before sentencing Stepen to life. RIP Natalie ❤

[@clivematthews95]

I also think that the motive is that, he didn’t want the baby because he clearly has to be center of attention What an awful monster, and yes, man-child

[@kathleenkeifer4262]

That is so true. I think they should’ve all been able to take a punch at him or worse I wouldn’t have to waste of space in jail.

[@Timfishoh2759]

Hmm. You don't _seem_ sorry. Angry, yes. Sorry, no. 🤭

[@LadyIarConnacht]

@@clivematthews95 Also, she's already cheating on him. Who knows if he was even the real dad. What a crazy case. Good work by the detectives.

[@millwallholdings]

Yes Rip Natalie, See my comments above said very similar She could have done far better sad little man he come across

[@AnneMcKinley-ue2ft]

Her poor heartbroken family. R I P Natalie.

[@ingridpersson9376]

The best true crime channel! ❤ I hate when I'm forced to see the narrator most of the time. I just want to hear about the crime. Thanks! ❤

[@dalriadajohannsen]

Same

[@laurenJayne33]

I went to school with Stephen mCullagh….he was a weirdo even then!

[@DinoCism]

The ironic fake voices when he's hamming it up on his "livestream" are like nails on chalkboard. Textbook grating neckbeard type. Pretty much the first guy you would expect.

[@Faristol7]

​@@DinoCismDon't you mean 'pretty much the first guy you'd suspect'?

[@DeeMontezx1]

Not surprised just a few minutes of him and he makes you sick to your stomach, how he even landed a woman let alone this lovely lady is something I will never comprehend.

[@elainetirrell1082]

Sorry for swearing BUT why the fuck do people think that killing a person will solve their problems? Just fucking split up with her, the worst that will happen is you will have to pay for your child for the next 18 years... RIP Natalie and Dean 💔❤❤

[@sheribrougham4863]

He can give up his parental rights and not pay.

[@chrismartin5450]

@@sheribrougham4863not in the US. Men don’t have that choice

[@jimz1024]

​@@chrismartin5450Nobody including the person you're attempting to correct mentioned the US except you, unless I'm missing something

[@Kiki-yw9kc]

Very well researched , well done

[@barbaratells1285]

Very easy to listen to the podcast. Truly appreciate your work on this and more than anything thank you so much for not using AI throughout the episode. Very refreshing 😊

[@dawnyg2951]

Evening TC and fellow Truly Criminalists . Is that even a word? I care not, it’s a lovely evening here in the NE of England (which rarely happens) so I’m happy 😁

[@Scipio_Americanus]

🙄

[@ajh6354]

Sweet! Concentrating too hard on my work was giving me a headache.

[@LarryLeeMoniz]

This was very well done. I had subscribed to his KZbin channel, and watched his videos about Doctor Who and Ghostbusters for years. I was even a Patreon supporter of his for a short while. Stephen was even a Facebook friend and we chatted a few times. It is chilling to know that all time time, a monster was inside. I sincerely hope he gets the maximum sentence for what he's done to that poor girl and her unborn child. There will not be a puishment harsh enough for him.

[@TubularBelles]

Unbelievable! The thought of grieving with her murderer and having him in your home and at her memorial and funeral would be sickening to say the least. I hope you do an update on this crime after the court case has been finalised.

[@Timfishoh2759]

Ah yes. The classic love story. "We've been dating a couple of months, we're pregnant, but don't worry, everyone's totally stoked about it. Yes, the guy too!" It's a happy tale as old as time itself. 🥰

[@sheribrougham4863]

I agree. The male sees it as entrapment.

[@margaretwhittaker2291]

when we heard that the Grandma to be was going to the scan and not the Father to be, that sealed it for me!

[@neadiob1501]

This was a horrific case. Nobody suspected Stephen initially. But the stream where he makes remarks about Natalie etc. is so chilling. Also side note - the detective in charge of the investigation DC Caldwell was targeted/gunned down whilst at his child's football practice a few weeks later.

[@ssnow3240]

thank you for covering this and explaining the increase in violence against a partner whether it be male or female. It's horrible the lengths he went to and to really not have an explanation. 😮 I hope her family is doing OK and rest in peace beautiful Natalie ❤

[@Sarah.reads.sometimes]

There is something sinister and scary about the livestream being prerecorded 😢 Just adds a whole other level.

[@deantruesdale9534]

Love this channel to much

[@littlepeky]

The moment he said "it's a spur of the moment" I knew it was him

[@matthewella8280]

what i find most scary about these is the fact of hes killed his gf stabbed her to death and he phones a taxi and the taxi driver has no idea hes giving a lift to a man whos just stabbed his gf to death in her house. Might sound stupid but this is why when i'm working in a bar/club i always have my head on and notice everything, i have no idea who's coming into the bar and who your serving or if they do carry anything on them it could be anyone or anything can happen

[@GeorgeContreras-kz1xf]

This is one great Chanel ❤keep it up

[@prathanapardesi3243]

It's been a week. Was waiting eagerly. Thank you for the video. Enjoyed it thoroughly as always.

[@MasterChiefLorenzo]

This has fast become top 3 fave channels. ❤

[@Dreas_Diaz88]

I always come here for my tru crime content.

[@lizc6393]

What are your other two favs? Because it seems you have good taste and I'm looking for new creators.

[@SerenDipity64711]

There must have been red flags. He is insufferable!!! Very immature. A grown kid. How awful Natalie thought he was something he wasn't. Absolutely horrendous what that 'man' has done. On a side note, I am glad River, Natalie's beloved dog, survived and her parents have a little comfort in their grief. Rest in peace Natalie and baby Dean🌹🌹

[@Chicken_Nugget1]

I might have heard it wrong, but I think she planted the biggest red flag of all if she was cheating or looking to cheat while newly pregnant with her partners baby. That's enough to make any man see red (but obviously not right to go *that* far).

[@joeysaad69]

love the content keep it up 💌

[@corb5654]

Can the judges perhaps shut up about their ignorance about tech issues? It doesn't create a lot of confidence...

[@jimz1024]

Yeah if it's true the last thing you should do is bring awareness to the justice systems short comings

[@Chicken_Nugget1]

So, am I right in thinking she was looking to cheat with other guys texting them in ways she shouldn't, including with an ex, while in a relationship, just before Christmas, while newly pregnant with her partners child? I'm clearly *not* condoning she deserved what happened to her but, am I hearing that right?

[@petelongrs]

Thank you for your work.

[@carolyn85930]

Sad and so sick.

[@karenfield748]

RIP beautiful girl and baby. Why....why....WHY do people think murder will make everything better. You wanna live yr life looking over yr shoulders incase new evidence puts you at risk of arrest!!!???😮 Not to mention the horror and unending nightmare loved ones are plunged infinity into.....😮 are people that stupid and that cruel, short-sighted??! I don't, I can't, I have no words. Side note:He was in no way good enough for that gorgeous woman. In any way. 😢

[@chichodormi4732]

Best criminal channel ❤

[@cinthiaizaguirre7115]

May her & baby rest in paradise and her family find the closure they need GOD bless this family and truly criminal always ❤this is truly horrible

[@nathryl03]

Did the prosecution really say "She cheated and that's what triggered her murder"??? Way to blame the victim. Holy hell. Did nobody think maybe he just didn't want to be a father and instead of being a reasonable, responsible human being he decided to murder is pregnant girlfriend?

[@willstuart4504]

To me his biggest motive was likely the fact she became pregnant?? I'm surprised they didn't even offer that up as a possibility. How many times have we've seen innocent women murdered by the expecting Dad? Idk... maybe I'm wrong, but it at least makes sense.

[@gedhoughton9523]

Know that it takes time to make these great vids but wish you guys could upload more often.

[@anthonybrown2200]

Thank you from your biggest fan in Seattle 🙏🏿

[@aygennegya]

In the “live” stream, he keeps saying “live stream” , just in case we did not understand that it was “live” stream😅

[@ChocolateEClaire16_]

I’ve heard this case countless times, but you guys always come out on top. So thankful for a channel who does shorter clips; straight to the point with facts. My ADHD butt can’t do the 2 hour podcasts these days 😂

[@aph4778]

What an awful person to do something so horrific to some else’s that means SO much, to others

[@molliwilson5639]

Whenever I see a new post from you, I immediately click

[@jackthewisedog5171]

This happened close to where I am from and it horrified the local community when it happened and more so when it came out who was behind it - may Natalie Rest In Peace