A woman who murdered her parents before concealing their bodies within their home for four years has been jailed for life.

Virginia McCullough, 36, who lived at the address in Pump Hill, Great Baddow, will spend at least 36 years in prison before she can be considered for parole.

The sentence, which took place at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 10, follows a lengthy investigation led by the Essex Police Serious Crime Directorate.

The bodies of McCullough's parents, John, aged 70 at the time of his death, and Lois, aged 71 at the time of her death, were found after concerns were raised by the couple's GP over missed appointments.

A missing persons investigation into the couple, beginning in September 2023, led officers to the family home, where McCullough instantly confessed to officers that the bodies of her parents' were in the house.

The McCullough home in Pump Hill, Great Baddow. (Credit: Essex Police)

Post-mortem examinations revealed both had been poisoned with prescription medication.

John died as a result of the poisoning while Lois had been struck with a hammer and fatally stabbed.

It was established by Police that the murders had taken place at some point in the Summer of 2019, with no one raising the alarm until four years later.

McCullough went to substantial length to conceal the bodies of her parents and took great effort to keep family and friends away from the property throughout the Covid pandemic and subsequent years.

She told persistent lies about their whereabouts, cancelling family arrangements and frequently telling doctors and relatives her parents were unwell, on holiday or away on lengthy trips.

When approached by officers in the Summer of 2023, McCullough lied to officers when initially contacted, claiming her parents were traveling and would be returning in October. 

In shocking video footage released by Essex Police of the moment officers gained access to the Pump Hill property, McCullough is seen casually talking to officers about the murders, even saying "Cheer up, at least you've caught the bad guy."

Documents at the property showed she had run up large debts on credit cards in her parents' names, as well as continuing to spend their pensions after their death. 

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said: "Virginia McCullough murdered her parents in cold blood.

"Her actions were considered, meticulous and carried out in such a way as to conceal what she had done for as long as possible.

"These were the actions of someone who had taken time to plan and carry out the murder of her parents in the interest of self-preservation and personal gain, before living within meters of the bodies of her two victims for a number of years.

"Throughout the course of our investigation, we have built a picture of the vast levels of deceit, betrayal and fraud she engaged in. It was on a shocking and monumental scale.

"McCullough lied about almost every aspect of her life, maintaining a charade to deceive everyone close to her and clearly taking advantage of her parents' good will.

"She is an intelligent manipulator who chose to kill her parents callously, without a thought for them or those who continue to suffer as a result of their loss.

"The details of this case shock and horrify even the most experienced of murder detectives, let alone any right-thinking member of the public.

"It therefore follows that the wider family of John and Lois, understandably, could never have guessed or anticipated that McCullough would be capable of undertaking these murders before committing herself to this level of deceit.

"They have been left utterly devastated by the circumstances of this case and they continue to feel the loss of John and Lois each and every day."

 In a joint statement, the family of John and Lois said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Essex Police, and in particular the Major Investigation Team for their tireless work in trying to achieve the best possible justice for our beloved parents.

"We would also like to thank other specialist services for their invaluable contribution to this investigation, and to everyone who has supported our family over the last year.

John and Lois McCullough. (Credit: Essex Police)

"Our Dad was caring and hardworking and he had a passion for education and writing. He worked tirelessly in his career in university education, which spanned many years.

"Dad enjoyed lots of hobbies, with particular favourites being golf and snooker.

"As we think of Dad, we remember the numerous jokes he used to tell us and the laughs he gave us.

"Our Mum was kind, caring and thoughtful. Mum delighted in her grandchildren.

"She had friends from around the world through her penfriend hobby, many of whom she had written to for several decades. Mum had a passion for history, and maintained a keen interest in the royal family.

"Mum and Dad loved their trips to the seaside together, where they enjoyed many walks and visited lots of different attractions.

"Their love for the seaside was so great, they were hoping to move to the coast in their retirement years.

"Mum and Dad always enjoyed the time they spent with us, family was their pride and joy.

"Our family has been left devastated and heartbroken at the deaths of our parents who were taken from us so cruelly.

"As we try to move forward with our lives, we will remember the happy times we enjoyed with them."