Woman in court accused of murdering her elderly parents
A woman has been charged with murdering her parents.
Virginia McCullough, 35, is accused of murdering John and Lois McCullough at some point between August 21, 2018 and September 15 of this year, in Chelmsford, Essex.
Essex Police said she’d been charged with the murders of a man and a woman, both aged in their 70s.
The force began its investigation after receiving reports of concern for the wellbeing of the couple.
Officers believe Mr and Mrs McCullough have died.
A spokesman for the force said: ‘A woman has been charged with two counts of murder following an investigation by detectives and staff from our serious crime directorate.
‘On September 13, we received reports of concerns for the welfare of two people aged in their 70s.
‘As a result of the extensive work carried out by a dedicated investigative team, our strong belief based on all the evidence available is that the two people in question are no longer alive.
‘The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is in agreement with this assessment.’
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said: ‘Although we have received authorisation to charge Virginia McCullough, this complex and in-depth investigation will be continuing at pace throughout the coming weeks and months.
‘I would also reiterate that our continued belief is that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider Chelmsford or Essex public.
‘Our thoughts today are with the families of everyone involved and I can assure them all avenues of inquiry will be pursued extensively to piece together the circumstances around this matter.’
McCullough, of Pump Hill in Chelmsford, wasn’t asked to enter pleas during a hearing at Chelmsford magistrates court today.
She’s set to appear at Basildon crown court tomorrow for a bail application hearing.
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