Virginia McCullough, 36, has admitted to killing her father, John, aged 70, and her mother, Lois, aged 71, at their home in Pump Hill, Great Baddow, England. This revelation follows an investigation led by the Serious Crime Directorate.
After committing the murders in the summer of 2019, McCullough hid their bodies in the house and continued to live there. She deceived doctors and relatives by fabricating stories about her parents’ health and whereabouts.
The case came to light when her parents’ doctors noticed missed appointments in 2023. On Friday, September 15, 2023, a warrant was executed at the Pump Hill address, leading to McCullough’s confession. She admitted to fatally poisoning her father with prescription medication and stabbing her mother.
McCullough appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court, Essex, England, on Thursday, July 4, where she pleaded guilty to two counts of murder. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10.
Detective Inspector Lydia George of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate expressed sympathy for the family, saying: “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.
“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.”
