18 September 2023 , 10:07
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A woman has been charged with two counts of murder after concerns were raised over the welfare of two people in their 70s, who detectives believe are no longer alive.
Virginia McCullough is due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today after police received reports of concerns for the welfare of two elderly people. The 35-year-old woman from Chelmsford is expected to be remanded in custody before a further appearance at the crown court at a later date.
The victims' names and addresses have not yet been released. Essex Police said that "as a result of the extensive work carried out by a dedicated investigative team, our strong belief based on all the evidence available is that the two people in question are no longer alive" adding that the "Crown Prosecution Service is in agreement with this assessment".
McCullough was arrested shortly after noon on Friday from an address in Pump Hill, Great Baddow, and officers remain at the address. Photographs show detectives dressed in white overalls entering the property, which remains cordoned off with police tape. Officers say the "investigation is at an early stage", but the are "making fast progress as they look to establish the circumstances of this matter."
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Although we have received authorisation to charge Virginia McCullough, this complex and in-depth investigation will be continuing at pace throughout the coming weeks and months. I would also reiterate that our continued to belief is that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider Chelmsford or Essex public.
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“Our thoughts today are with the families of everyone involved and I can assure them, all avenues of enquiry will be pursued extensively to piece together the circumstances around this matter.” He earlier said: “Our enquiries are ongoing, and it would be wrong to speculate while we work to build a clear picture."
*McCullough was remanded in custody at the hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, she is due back in Basildon Crown Court tomorrow.