Virginia McCullough, a 36-year-old woman from Chelmsford, Essex, was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her parents, John and Lois McCullough. The gruesome crime took place between June 17 and June 20, 2019, but the bodies of the victims were only discovered in September 2023.
McCullough poisoned her father with prescription medication and fatally stabbed her mother before hiding their bodies in makeshift tombs at their family home in Great Baddow. She then went on to run up debts in her parents’ names and continued to spend their pensions until she was caught by authorities.
During her arrest, McCullough shockingly showed no remorse and even told officers to “cheer up, you caught the bad guy.” She calmly admitted to the murders and directed police to the murder weapon and other evidence in the house.
The case came to light after a GP raised concerns about the welfare of Mr. and Mrs. McCullough, prompting a missing persons investigation that eventually led to the discovery of their bodies. McCullough had been lying to family members, doctors, and even the police for four years to cover up her heinous crimes.
The prosecutor described the case as “truly disturbing” and emphasized the devastating impact it had on those who knew and cared for the victims. The hope is that the sentence handed down to McCullough will bring some semblance of closure and healing to the loved ones of John and Lois McCullough.
