Woman charged with murder of two elderly people in Chelmsford
Essex Police launched an investigation when the pair in their 70s disappeared
Essex Police have charged a 35-year-old woman with the murder of two elderly people in Chelmsford.
The force launched a probe after concerns were raised to officers for the pair, who were aged in their seventies when they went missing on Wednesday (September 13th).
Following the opening of an investigation, Essex Police believes the elderly people have since died and therefore charged the woman, 35-year-old Virginia McCullough from Pump Hill in the Great Baddow area of the town.
Ms McCullough has been charged with two counts of murder as the investigation into their disappearance continues.
She is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday (September 18th) as a result of her charges.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Essex Police explained that the force had a strong reason to believe Virginia is responsible for the disappearances.
"A woman has been charged with two counts of murder following an investigation by detectives and staff from our serious crime directorate," she 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 spokeswoman added that the Crown Prosecution Service agrees with the timeline of events brought by the force and thus have opted to charge Virginia with the pair's murder.
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, paid tribute to the victims, adding that the investigation into where the elderly people have gone will continue.
Speaking separately, Detective Superintendent Kirby 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 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 inquiry will be pursued extensively to piece together the circumstances around this matter."