LAST UPDATE | 22 Dec 2022
THE BROTHER OF a woman murdered in Co Armagh has urged those responsible to confess.
Natalie McNally, 32, who was 15 weeks pregnant, was fatally stabbed at her home in Lurgan last Sunday.
Her brother Niall described his family’s devastation that they will never see her again, or meet her baby.
The charity Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000, or €22,700, reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.
A 32 year old man arrested by detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding the 32 year old’s death has been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.
“The investigation is still at an early stage and anyone with any information they feel is relevant to contact us,” the PSNI said in a statement.
Police today released CCTV footage of a man carrying a rucksack arriving at Silverwood Green in Lurgan on Sunday night in a bid to jog memories for information in their murder inquiry.
Detectives investigating the murder of Natalie McNally have today, 22 December, released CCTV footage along with details of a reward from the charity Crimestoppers.
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) December 22, 2022
Natalie’s brother Niall has also issued a statement. Read more: https://t.co/TLtekqGjmQ pic.twitter.com/8LoXqE0zqW
Speaking at an appeal at Lurgan police station, McNally urged those responsible for killing his sister “to do the decent thing and confess to her murder”.
He is the youngest of her three brothers.
“Nats, as we called her, was the only girl in that family and we treated her like a princess,” he said.
“She lived and coped with being a diabetic from a really early age and as a result we were so protective of her and treated her like a precious egg and yet she was a fiercely independent woman, worked in marketing for Translink and was passionate about her beliefs, and loved her animals and music.
“We were so proud of her many achievements, and my mum and dad, Noel and Bernadette, my two brothers Brendan and Declan and I are completely devastated that she is no longer with us and I really can’t believe we will never see her beautiful smile or hear her infectious laugh again.
“I cannot actually put into words the heartache we are experiencing. She was the life and soul of our family and we are heart broken she will not be sitting around the table with us this Christmas Day or any day.
“Nats really was the best sister ever and such a lovely person. She had so many friends and would have done anything for anyone. She had a heart of gold and to add to our unbearable heartache, we are devastated that we will never meet Natalie’s baby – we were all looking forward to welcoming the family’s first grandchild and nephew or niece into the world next year.
“I am appealing on behalf of our family for any information to police or Crimestoppers to help them to put Nats’ killer behind bars.”
McNally’s uncle John McStravick said she was a “gorgeous, kind, generous girl who went the extra mile for her friends and family, but also for pets or any animals”.
“She has come from one of the kindest, most generous, most loving, most caring families that I have ever had the privilege to meet,” he said.
Police and paramedics attended McNally’s house on Silverwood Green around 10pm on Monday, and she was pronounced dead.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said there were no signs of a break-in at the property.
He said police are releasing CCTV footage showing a man carrying a rucksack, arriving at Silverwood Green on Sunday night at 8.52pm.
“Then, at 9.30pm, we see him walking out of Silverwood Green. He appears to be wearing white footwear, possibly trainers,” he said.
“My thoughts remain firmly with Natalie’s devoted parents and family, who have suffered terribly. And my appeal is to anyone with information to please come forward.
“I’m keen to highlight a reward of up to £20,000 from Crimestoppers, who are a charity and are independent of the police.
“The reward is being offered for information given directly to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Natalie’s murder.
“Crimestoppers take information completely anonymously, meaning they will never ask for or store any of your personal details.
“Contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
“There is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and computer IP addresses are never traced.”
Tributes to Natalie have flooded in since the news of her death was reported, as many have shared messages of sympathy and support to her loved ones.
The 32-year-old had worked for Translink as part of their marketing team.
The team at Lurgan Model Primary School said that their community are saddened to hear of the tragic news of the passing of their former pupil.
“A number of current staff taught Natalie and remember her fondly as a kind, caring and capable person, with a smile for everyone.
“Her mother is also formerly a member of staff. We wish to express our sincere condolences to all of Natalie’s family and friends. May she Rest In Peace,” a statement from the school read in full.
Local Councillor Ciarán Toman, who went to school with Natalie, said he remembers her as “the most pleasant young woman who clearly had a bright future ahead of her.”
“This is obviously a very sad situation for the family of the deceased and my thoughts are with them at this time,” he said.
Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland have passed on their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Natalie “at this most difficult time”.
“It’s difficult to comprehend another woman losing her life here in Northern Ireland to violence,” they added.
If you need support following the tragic news about the murder of Natalie please reach out for support. You can contact Womens Aid across NI at https://t.co/tdg1HlDz4g https://t.co/yy1t5JfCOv
— Women's Aid NI (@WomensAidNI) December 21, 2022
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: “This is horrendous. I can’t imagine the pain that Natalie’s family are going through so close to Christmas. When will our governments admit that there is a severe issue in our society of violence against women and do more about it?”
Detectives are reiterating their appeal for anyone with information to contact them on 101.
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.
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