Woman, 36, admits murdering her own parents four years before they were found

A woman has admitted to murdering her parents in the house where they lay undiscovered for five years.

36-year-old Virginia McCullogh today pleaded guilty to murdering dad John and mum Lois, who were both in their 70s.

She killed her parents at some point between June 17 and June 20, 2019, but their bodies weren’t discovered until September 2023 when people reported their concerns for the couple’s wellbeing to Essex Police.

The force then found human remains at an address in Pump Hill, Chelmsford.

An inquest into Lois’s death found she died of stab wounds to the chest, but John’s cause of death is still ‘pending further investigation’.

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McCullough, who wore a grey top when she appeared via video-link at Chelmsford crown court, spoke only to confirm her name, to enter pleas of guilty to both counts and say she understood the judge’s comments.

She showed no emotion as she pleaded guilty.

McCullough will be sentenced on October 10 and 11.

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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.

‘The sentence will take place on the 10th and 11th of October. You will be remanded in custody and I will direct that you will be produced in court. This is not a case for you to appear on the video link.’

No further details about the case or investigation into the deaths were shared during the short court hearing.

McCullough said ‘I understand’ and thanked the judge at the end of the hearing.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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Woman, 36, admits murdering her own parents four years before they were found

Woman, 36, admits murdering her own parents four years before they were found

Woman, 36, admits murdering her own parents four years before they were found

Woman, 36, admits murdering her own parents four years before they were found

Woman, 36, admits murdering her own parents four years before they were found