Hearst Networks has commissioned a documentary about the murder of Natalie McNally and the role of technology in how crimes are committed and concealed, co-producing with Krempelwood and Longwave Studios for its Crime+Investigation channel.
McNally was murdered on December 18, 2022. Her boyfriend, Stephen McCullagh, appeared to have an airtight alibi, claiming he was hosting a six-hour live-streamed gaming session online at the time. The doc, Live Stream Killer, reveals how investigators discovered that McCullagh had pre-recorded the session, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction earlier this year.
Di Carter, director of originals and talent at Hearst Networks, said: “The collaboration on this case between Hearst Networks and the team at Longwave Studios is a testament to the shared ambition in telling difficult and important stories, with care. Live Stream Killer is an extraordinary example of how crime is evolving in the digital age. It’s a compelling, thought-provoking piece that we believe will resonate strongly with Crime+Investigation audiences.”
Ned Parker, head of factual at Longwave Studios, added, “This devastating story is indicative of an alarming number of femicide cases in the U.K. We’re grateful Crime+Investigation is providing us with the opportunity to explore this case in depth, while raising awareness of the wider issue. It also highlights the groundbreaking work being done in digital forensics in what has proven to be a landmark investigation.”
Danny Tipping, CEO at Longwave Studios, added: “Live Stream Killer is not just a true crime story—it’s a chilling insight into how modern technology can be weaponized in ways we are only beginning to understand.”
