Pensioner mum and dad found 'murdered by 35-year-old daughter', inquest hears

10 October 2023 , 11:56

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Lois and John McCullough were found dead at home (Image: PA)

A 35-year-old woman has been accused of killing her elderly parents, stabbing her mum through the chest, an inquest has heard.

Virginia McCullough allegedly killed the two pensioners, John and Lois McCullough, in Chelmsford, Essex. Inquests into their deaths were opened and adjourned in Chelmsford, Essex, today. Essex area coroner Michelle Brown said 75-year-old Lois died on September 15 at an address in Chelmsford and her provisional cause of death was "stab wounds to the chest".

She said "human remains believed to be" 74-year-old John were found at the same location on September 16. His provisional cause of death was "pending further investigation", Ms Brown said.

A police tent erected outside the property in Chelmsford, Essex (PA)

The coroner said police attended the address on September 15 after concerns were raised for the couple's welfare - and human remains were discovered following an investigation. Ms Brown suspended both inquests "pending the outcome of the police investigation".

Virginia McCullough, of Pump Hill, Chelmsford, Essex, is accused of murdering her parents in Chelmsford between August 21, 2018, and September 15, 2023. She has not been asked to enter pleas. McCullough appeared before Basildon Crown Court last month and was remanded in custody until a plea hearing set for December 1 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

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Neighbours said the married couple had not been seen at their three-storey property for at least two years. McCullough, who was known by neighbours as "Ginny", was believed to work as an artist. They added that Mr McCullough was a former lecturer at the Chelmsford College of Further Education. He and his wife are believed to have had four daughters, with Virginia the youngest.

Virginia McCullough appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court (PA)

Retired systems engineer Phil Sargeant, 67, said Mr and Mrs McCullough had lived in their three-bedroom house for more than 20 years. He added they "were quiet and kept themselves to themselves. They didn't really mix at all. If you did see him, he would be scurrying around and looking busy. But I had not seen them around for a couple of years or longer."

Another neighbour said: "I had not seen Mr or Mrs McCullough for about two and a half or three years." After human remains were found in the house, Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This continues to be an incredibly complex investigation.

"Our work will continue throughout the coming days, as our specialist officers and staff continue to piece together all elements of this matter. Officers will carry out work at addresses in and around Pump Hill throughout the coming days. I would continue to urge against speculation as these enquiries continue.

"A family is grieving the loss of two relatives and officers are supporting them." The family of John and Lois, who were supported by specialist officers, said: "We are deeply shocked by their deaths and ask for privacy at this difficult time."

Sam Russell