Virginia McCullough: Woman who hid bodies of parents for 4 years at family home admits murder

Virginia McCullough, 36, admitted killing her father John McCullough, 70 and Lois McCullough, 71 between June 17, 2019 and June 20, 2019 at their home in Pump Hill, Great Baddow, as she appeared by prison video-link before Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday (July 4).

After carrying out the murders, she hid their bodies within the property and continued to live at the address. To cover her tracks, she told persistent lies about their whereabouts, frequently telling doctors and relatives her parents were unwell, on holiday or away on lengthy trips.

Her actions were uncovered after her parents’ GPs raised concerns over missed appointments in 2023. Following an investigation, Essex Police executed a warrant at the Pump Hill address on September 15. She later confessed to poisoning her father with prescription medication and stabbing her mother shortly afterwards. McCullough will be sentenced on October 10.

Judge Christopher Morgan said: “You will understand that there is a single sentence that can be passed upon you in these circumstances. Consideration however has to be given to the minimum term.”

Detective Inspector Lydia George, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “At the heart of this investigation are John and Lois – and their whole family. Virginia’s actions have had a significant and emotional impact on the family group and our thoughts today are first and foremost with them.

“We have worked very closely with them and supported them from the outset as we established the circumstances around John and Lois’ deaths and gathered the evidence which has led to today’s guilty pleas. Clearly this was a hugely complex investigation from the outset.

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“Officers were met with an incredibly challenging scene and worked at the address over the course of several days to carry out forensic enquiries. This involved expertise and insight from several teams across the force and it is thanks to the work of dozens of dedicated officers and staff that we were able to bring this tragic case to court and, now, a satisfactory conviction.”