An artist cried in court today as she admitted to murdering her parents five years ago.
Virginia McCullough, 36, killed John, 74, and Lois, 75, at their home in Chelmsford, Essex, between 17 and 20 June 2019.
After killing them, McCullough hid their bodies in the house and continued to live there until she was arrested last September.
To cover his tracks, he repeatedly lied about his whereabouts, telling doctors and relatives that his parents were sick or away on extended vacations.
McCullough was arrested on September 13 last year after her parents’ bodies were found in a top-floor bedroom of their three-storey Pump Hill home.
An open investigation revealed that Lois died from “stab wounds to the chest,” while John’s cause of death was “pending further investigation.”
McCullough, a former professor at Chelmsford College of Further Education, and Lois are believed to have had four daughters, the youngest being Virginia.
Virginia McCullough, 36, killed her parents, John, 74 (right) and Lois, 75 (left), at their home in Chelmsford, Essex, between 17 and 20 June 2019.
McCullough (pictured in court) was arrested on September 13 last year after her parents’ bodies were found in a top-floor bedroom of their three-storey Pump Hill home.
Pictured: Police work at the scene of an incident at a house in Chelmsford, Essex, on September 18 this year.
McCullough admitted murdering John and Lois McCullough when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today.
She appeared in court via video link from HMP Peterborough wearing a purple top and necklace and with long blonde hair.
McCullough wiped tears from her eyes as Judge Christopher Morgan told her: ‘You will understand that only one sentence can be passed on you in these circumstances.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Lois died from “stab wounds to the chest” while the cause of John’s death “is pending further investigation.” Pictured: Police and forensic experts at the scene
McCullough, a former professor at Chelmsford College of Further Education, and Lois are believed to have had four daughters, the youngest being Virginia.
Essex Police said they launched an investigation after receiving reports of concern for the welfare of the two people in their 70s.
In a statement issued by Essex Police, the family of John McCullough and Lois McCullough previously said: “We are deeply shocked by their deaths and ask for privacy at this difficult time.” Pictured: Police at the scene
‘What needs to be determined is the minimum period.
‘You will remain in custody.’
He will face a two-day sentencing hearing on October 10 and 11.
In a statement released through Essex Police, the family of John McCullough and Lois McCullough said earlier: “We are deeply shocked by their deaths and ask for privacy at this difficult time.”
A forensic team passes under police tape cordoning off the scene of the double murder.
The 37-year-old artist will face a two-day sentencing hearing on October 10 and 11. Pictured: A police officer at the scene of the murders
Police were called to the townhouse on August 18, 2018, after McCullough reported being assaulted in her backyard.
An officer had interviewed McCullough in the first-floor living room, unaware that there were bodies upstairs.
Essex Police carried out a review of previous contact with Ms McCullough and concluded that the officer did nothing wrong.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We have not made a referral to the IOPC in relation to this case as it does not fit the criteria for a mandatory or voluntary referral.”
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