Why Virginia McCullough killed her parents and lived with their bodies
"Why A Woman Killed Her Parents And Stayed"
"You've caught the criminal": McCullough's admission was recorded on the police body camera.
Virginia McCullough understood why the police had burst into her home, but she couldn’t help but question why it had taken them so long to realize she was responsible for her parents’ deaths. “Look on the bright side, at least you’ve caught the real criminal,” she said calmly to the officers as they placed her in handcuffs. While the neighbors believed that John and Lois McCullough had moved to the coast to retire, the truth was that their daughter had heartlessly poisoned them. What could have driven her to this?
In 2019, the atmosphere within the McCullough household in Great Baddow, near Chelmsford, Essex, grew more mysterious and private.
Family members were requested to keep their distance, while friends were informed that Mr. and Mrs. McCullough had moved to the Clacton region along Essex's sunny coast.
The harsh truth was quite a contrast. It would take four years for anyone to uncover the dreadful events that happened in secret at Pump Hill.
John McCullough, a former business studies teacher, was tragically poisoned, and at the age of 70, his body was concealed in a makeshift grave constructed from cinder blocks and blankets.
The body of his 71-year-old wife, Lois, was hidden behind sleeping bags and blankets in a closet on the upper floor.
Mrs. McCullough suffered severe injuries from a hammer attack and stabbings, but she was also poisoned with prescription drugs that her daughter had given her.
Virginia McCullough, 36, was sentenced to life in prison by Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday for her role in the murders, with a requirement to serve at least 36 years before being eligible for parole.
Image credit: Family provided this photo.
Lois and John McCullough fell victim to their daughter’s deceit, who led them to believe in her bright future.
“The curtains were always closed, so you could never tell if anyone was home,” remarked Phil Sargeant, who was a neighbor of the McCullough family for two decades.
"They were like specters, swiftly darting from one place to another."
Mr. Sargeant has finally figured out the reason behind all the mystery surrounding his neighbors' home.
"I really struggle to say that Virginia took her parents’ lives," he said.
She seemed really likable; she had a great sense of humor and was delightfully cheeky. Her humor had a bit of a darker edge to it.
In September 2023, Essex Police received a call from the safeguarding team at Essex County Council.
A doctor at the McCulloughs' medical practice noted their absence and expressed concern for their well-being, as it had been a while since they were last seen.
Image credit: Steve Huntley/BBC
The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. McCullough remained in their house for four years.
Photo credit: Essex Police
John McCullough's remains were concealed in a temporary grave, shrouded with blankets and artworks.
Their daughter provided various explanations for their absence, giving different reasons for each appointment they missed on her parents' behalf.
Fortunately for her, the country had been under extended lockdowns due to Covid, which meant they hadn’t been seen for a long time.
However, when the police interviewed McCullough, it quickly became evident that things didn’t quite add up. The question arose: why were her parents frequently away from the area?
Alan Thomson, who leased a TV to the McCullough family, also had his doubts.
It came after a phone call from McCullough, who suddenly ended the rental on behalf of her parents.
When Mr. Thomson's team showed up at his house to collect it, they were informed that they were not allowed to go inside. Meanwhile, the TV was already waiting by the front door.
"I had a sense that she might have a vivid imagination, but I never would have imagined she could be a killer," he remarked.
"I've Earned What’s Coming My Way"
When law enforcement conducted a search of the premises, it wasn't their initial visit there.
A few weeks before the bodies were found, McCullough welcomed officers into her home to talk about a report of an assault involving her.
Only she understood the purpose of this call, but others thought she might be gauging the situation.
In the end, the accusation of assault turned out to be unfounded.
Photo credit: Essex Police
Autopsies revealed that Mrs. McCullough died from stab wounds, while her husband succumbed to poison, even though both had been poisoned.
McCullough was more open when the officers came back in September 2023.
"I was aware that this day would eventually arrive," she admitted.
"I should receive the consequences I have coming to me, as it's the just course of action. Doing so might bring me some sense of tranquility."
Documents found in the house revealed that a woman was urgently trying to prevent her parents from discovering the severe financial troubles she was facing.
Taking advantage of their generosity, she had been living without paying rent, using their money, and accumulating substantial credit card debt in their names.
Fake letters revealed that McCullough had been deceiving her parents into believing they had lost money to scams. The truth was that the money had actually been spent carelessly by their own daughter.
Photo credit: Essex Police
Virginia McCullough continued to use her parents' retirement funds even after their deaths.
They saw her as highly capable, gainfully employed, and diligently pursuing her goal of becoming an artist—a path she insisted would also provide financial support for her parents.
Instead, she was benefiting financially from exploiting, mistreating, and capitalizing on her parents' generosity.
Overall, McCullough gained £149,697 after killing her parents. This amount came from their pensions, expenses charged to their credit cards, and the sale of their possessions.
The court was informed that she had spent £21,000 on internet gambling from 2019 to 2023.
Her deception, along with the constant worry of being discovered, ultimately drove her to the tragic and heartless act of taking her parents' lives.
Photo credit: Lewis Adams/BBC
The McCullough family house has now been sealed off with metal fences for security.
Paul Hastings, a fruit and vegetable seller at the Vineyards shopping center close to their house, had also observed that they were gone.
McCullough informed him that her parents, who used to buy items from his store, no longer reside in Great Baddow.
Mr. Hastings mentioned that her unusual personality allowed her to make statements without raising too many eyebrows.
Mr. Hastings recalled, "She walked into the store and announced, 'The police are chasing me; they believe I murdered my parents.'"
I found it a bit strange but didn’t dwell on it; I simply chalked it up to her quirky personality.
He mentioned that McCullough would occasionally come into his shop up to four times a day, only to vanish for the following two weeks.
Photo credit: Family provided this image.
Det Supt Rob Kirby stated that Virginia McCullough was "obviously exploiting her parents' generosity."
Debbie Pollard mentioned that McCullough would stop by her flower shop, showering her with gifts and treats.
"We always thought she was different, but I never imagined she could do what she actually did," she remarked.
"It's unsettling to think that she has spent all these years in that house, knowing her parents' remains are still there. It truly scares me."
Mr. Hastings and Ms. Pollard both mentioned that McCullough had faked a pregnancy, even going as far as to craft a false baby bump under her clothes.
Photo credit: Stuart Woodward/BBC
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby stated, "The specifics of this case are shocking and disturbing, even for the most seasoned murder investigators."
During her sentencing on Friday, McCullough kept her gaze fixed on the floor, showing no emotion.
She only started crying when she replayed her police interview, where she recounted the details of how she killed her mother.
"McCullough told the officers, 'She appeared completely innocent, just sitting there and listening to the radio.'"
I went in three times to muster up some courage, but I realized I needed to complete the task without any doubts.
"She looked at me in shock, unable to comprehend what was happening."
Photo credit: Essex Police
Virginia McCullough was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, with a requirement to spend at least 36 years incarcerated.
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby of Essex Police indicated that her calm demeanor in court was characteristic of the "thoughtful, precise" nature of the killer she was.
"During the investigation, we've gathered insight into the extensive deception, treachery, and dishonesty she was involved in," he stated.
It was on an astonishing and unprecedented level.
McCullough fabricated various parts of her life, putting on a false front to mislead those around her and clearly exploiting her parents' kindness.
"She is a clever and skilled manipulator who made the cold choice to take her parents' lives, showing no concern for them or for those who still feel the pain of their absence."
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