DAUGHTER PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING PARENTS

Virginia McCullough appeared via video-link from prison before Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, pleading guilty to the murders of John and Lois McCullough, both in their 70s. The defendant, residing in Pump Hill, Chelmsford, Essex, acknowledged the charges related to the killings that occurred between June 17 and June 20, 2019.

During the court appearance, McCullough, dressed in a grey top, confirmed her identity, entered guilty pleas to both counts of murder, and expressed her understanding of the judge's remarks.

McCullough's sentencing is scheduled for October 10 and 11, during which Judge Christopher Morgan indicated that while there is a mandatory life sentence for murder, the consideration of a minimum term will be taken into account.

Essex Police initiated an investigation following concerns raised about the welfare of the elderly couple on September 13. Subsequently, detectives discovered human remains at the McCulloughs' residence on Pump Hill, Chelmsford.

In an earlier inquest, it was revealed that Lois McCullough, aged 75, had succumbed to stab wounds to the chest. The provisional cause of death for John McCullough, aged 74, was initially listed as "pending further investigation."

Essex area coroner Michelle Brown presided over the inquests into their deaths, which were opened and adjourned pending further legal proceedings.