The face of Great Baddow woman who poisoned her dad and stabbed her mum in brutal double murder

This is the face of an Essex woman who murdered her parents four years ago before hiding their bodies in their home and lying to loved ones about where they were. Virginia McCullough has admitted the double murder of her father John, 70, and mother Lois McCullough, 71, at their home in Pump Hill, Great Baddow.

After murdering her parents, which she did in the summer of 2019, McCullough, 36, 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 September 15 last year, officers raided the Pump Hill address. In the moments afterwards, she confessed to poisoning her father with prescription medication and stabbing her mother shortly afterwards.

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She went on to admit two counts of murder during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court today (July 4). McCullough will be sentenced at the same court on October 10, with the hearing set to last two days.

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 of John and Lois McCullough, who are being supported by specialist officers, said in a statement released through police shortly after their deaths: “We are deeply shocked by their deaths and ask for privacy at this difficult time.”