NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A grandmother’s death at a Norfolk senior living home was ruled a homicide — and her daughter and grandson are being held responsible. On Monday, the pair were back in a Norfolk courtroom for their preliminary hearings.
On June 30, Norfolk police responded to Commonwealth Senior Living on Poplar Hall Drive for an unresponsive patient. That woman was later identified as 81-year-old Cleo A. Loizides. She was the mother and grandmother to 53-year-old Heather Cummings and 24-year-old Cliffton Cummings, respectively.
The pair were later charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Police say the suspects provided a confession before they were charged.
During her confession, Heather stated she assisted her son by holding Loizides down by her hands while telling her, “just let go, it’s for the best,” as her son used a strap from his bag to strangle the victim. Documents also state the mother and son traveled from Indiana to Virginia to commit the murder.
On Monday, both Heather and Cliffton Cummings were in court for preliminary hearings. Both waived their right to the hearings. The charges were then sent to a certified grand jury, where more information will be discussed in early January.
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