NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The woman accused in the death of her mother at a Norfolk senior living home was denied bond Friday morning.
Norfolk police said Heather A. Cummings, 53 and Clifton L. Cummings, 24, were arrested and charged on July 9 with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder after they confessed to killing Cleo A. Loizides, 81.
Loizides was pronounced dead just before midnight on June 30 after officers responded to Commonwealth Senior Living on Poplar Hall Drive.
Court documents revealed Loizides was found deceased inside of her residential bedroom with markings around her neck consistent with strangulation.
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 complete the murder.
Heather Cummings entered the courtroom Friday in a wheelchair. Her public defender said Heather is disabled with arthritis and Crohn’s disease. She lived in the Norfolk area for more than 30 years, then moved to Indiana with her husband about 20 years ago.
During a Friday bond hearing, Judge Michael Beverly said Heather Cummings was both a flight risk and a danger to the community. Her son Clifton Cummings, Loizides’ grandson, was granted a psychological and competency evaluation. Both of them remain in jail.
The results of Clifton’s competency evaluation are expected on Sept. 23, the same day of Heather’s next court date. Her public defender said Heather Cummings has no prior criminal record.
