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By Lewis Adams, BBC News, at Chelmsford Crown Court
Essex Police
Remains were discovered in the search for missing Lois and John McCullough
A woman has admitted murdering her parents after their bodies were discovered at her house.
Virginia McCullough, 36, pleaded guilty to murdering Lois and John McCullough, aged 75 and 74, between 17 and 20 June 2019.
Essex Police attended her address in Pump Hill, Great Baddow near Chelmsford, on 13 September 2023 over concerns for the welfare of Mr and Mrs McCullough, who were missing.
Ms McCullough was told she would be sentenced in October at Chelmsford Crown Court.
PA Media
Virginia McCullough initially appeard before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court after she was charged
The defendant appeared at the brief hearing earlier via video link from HMP Peterborough.
Judge Christopher Morgan remanded her in custody ahead of the sentencing.
"There is a single sentence that can be passed upon you in these circumstances," he said.
"Consideration, however, has to be given to the minimum term."
An inquest into the deaths of Mr and Mrs McCullough was opened and adjourned in October last year.
Area coroner Michelle Brown said Mrs McCullough died from “stab wounds to the chest”, but the cause of death for her husband was “pending further investigation”.
The coroner suspended both inquests pending the outcome of the police investigation.
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