Daughter admits murdering parents

Following an investigation led by Essex Police’s Serious Crime Directorate, 36-year-old Virginia McCullough has admitted to murdering her parents four years ago.

Virginia killed her father John, aged 70 at the time of his death, and mother Lois, aged 71 at the time of her death, at their home in Pump Hill, Great Baddow.

After carrying out the murders, which she told police took place at some stage in the summer of 2019, she concealed 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.

An investigation was launched and, on Friday 15 September 2023, officers from Essex Police’s Operational Support Group executed a warrant at the Pump Hill address.

In the moments afterwards, she confessed to poisoning her father with prescription medication and stabbing her mother shortly afterwards.

She went on to admit two counts of murder during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 4 July.

She will be sentenced at the same court on 10 October. 

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.”

DI George added: “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.”

The family wish to continue to request privacy at this difficult time.