Human remains found after woman charged with murdering her parents in Essex

Virginia McCullough has been accused of murdering her parents between August 2018 and September 2023

(PA)

Detectives investigating the murders of an elderly couple have found human remains.

Virginia McCullough, 35, is accused of murdering John McCullough and Lois McCullough between August 21, 2018, and September 15, 2023, a court charge sheet said.

She appeared in court on Monday and has been remanded into custody. Essex Police said she had been charged with the murders of a man and a woman aged in their 70s.

Virginia McCullough, 35, is accused of murdering John McCullough and Lois McCullough (PA)

It is understood they are the defendant’s parents. Police said it began an investigation after receiving reports of concern for the wellbeing of the two people aged in their 70s.

McCullough, of Pump Hill, Chelmsford, was not asked to enter pleas during a two-minute hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant, who wore a grey prison-issue tracksuit and had a blonde bob haircut, spoke only to confirm her personal details.

Virginia McCullough appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, Essex, charged with the murders of her parents, John McCullough and Lois McCullough (PA)

She was accompanied by a custody officer as she stood in the courtroom’s secure dock.

McCullough is next due to appear before Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday for a bail application hearing.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “As a result of the extensive work carried out by a dedicated team, we have recovered the remains of two people from the address.

“Although formal identification is yet to take place, Essex Police believe these to be the remains of John McCullough and Lois McCullough, both aged in their 70s.

Forensic officers at a property being searched in Pump Hill, Chelmsford, Essex. (PA)

“As part of work connected to this investigation, officers are continuing to search addresses in and around Pump Hill.

“This policing presence is expected to continue for the coming days.”

Earlier on Monday, an Essex Police spokesman confirmed that on Wednesday 13 September, the force “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 spokesperson added.

“The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is in agreement with this assessment.”

Essex police believe the deaths are an isolated incident (PA)

The force said it had been authorised by the CPS to charge McCullough with two counts of murder.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, 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 enquiry will be pursued extensively to piece together the circumstances around this matter.”