A woman and her son have been accused of murdering the victim’s 81-year-old mother at a senior care facility.
On Sunday, June 30, just before midnight, first responders were called to the Commonwealth Senior Living complex in Norfolk, Va., after 81-year-old Cleo Loizides was found unresponsive, Norfolk police said in a press statement. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and detectives stated the cause was “undetermined.”
However, less than two weeks later, police stated that Loizides’ death was being investigated as homicide, and her daughter and grandson were charged on Tuesday, July 9.
Heather Cummings, 53, of Hobart, Indiana, and her grandson, Clifton Cummings, 24, of Norfolk, have been charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to authorities.
According to court documents obtained by local stations WTKR and 13News Now/WVEC, Heather allegedly admitted to the murder, telling police that she and her son strangled Loizides. According to the documents, Clifton strangled his grandma with a strap from his luggage while Heather restrained the elderly woman. The documents indicate that the two planned to drive from Indiana to Virginia to murder Loizides.
According to the records, Heather begged her mother, “Just let go, it’s for the best.”
According to the records, Loizides had neck injuries consistent with strangulation.
The senior living facility where Loizides lived released a statement regarding her death to many media sources.
“When the death occurred, our staff alerted authorities following established norms. “We have cooperated with police throughout their investigation,” Commonwealth Senior Living said in a statement to WAVY, WTKR, and 13News Now. “This is now a police matter, and any questions about the inquiry should be given to Norfolk City Police. Commonwealth Senior Living will support prosecution and accountability to the fullest extent of the law.
“This has been a difficult time for our staff in the community, and we are offering them emotional workplace support as we continue to navigate this tragedy,” according to the business.
According to the 81-year-old’s obituary, the victim was originally from Baltimore and worked as a model in the 1960s. She also worked briefly as a banker before meeting her late husband, John, while volunteering at the theatre.
Judi Evans McArthur, a friend of Loizides’, spoke with 13News Now about her life, saying she learned about her friend’s death from obituaries in a local newspaper. “She was funny and had a great sense of humor,” McArthur said of Loizides. “[She was] very quiet, very gentle.”
“It’s just very sad,” she added. “I can’t imagine what would cause a person to do that.”
McArthur also revealed that the 81-year-old’s late husband, a former employee of the local ABC affiliate station, took portfolio shots of Loizides years ago, which McArthur retained.
“I just know it would have been really sad for him to know their daughter did that,” John’s wife stated.
Heather and Clifton’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 23, and they are both being held without bond at the Norfolk City Jail, according to PEOPLE.
It’s unclear whether either person has filed a plea or hired an attorney.