Woman charged with murders of two pensioners believed to be missing and dead

A WOMAN has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with two missing pensioners who detectives and the CPS "believe to be dead."

Essex Police has not confirmed if any bodies have been found or any cause of death or named the victims aged in their seventies.

But, today (Sunday, September 17) it confirmed it has charged Virginia McCullough, 35, of Pump Hill, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, with their murders.

A force spokesman said: "On Wednesday September 13, we received reports of concerns for the welfare of two people aged in their 70s.

"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. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is in agreement with this assessment.

"As a result of that work, we have been authorised by the CPS to charge Virginia McCullough, 35, of Pump Hill, Chelmsford, with two counts of murder."

She is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Monday September 18.

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. “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.”

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According to electoral roll and Companies House records, the address in question has been occupied for several years by John Malcolm McCullough, 74, and Lois McCullough, 75.

The force has not confirmed if the couple are the victims in this case.

Virginia McCullough has also been listed as an occupant.

Mr McCullough was a director of the company SCIGOLF Ltd until it was dissolved in 2010.

If you know anything about the McCulloughs please also contact jonaustinreporter@gmail.com.