NORFOLK, Va. (TCN) — A 53-year-old woman and her 24-year-old son were arrested for allegedly strangling her mother to death in the victim’s nursing home last month.
According to the Norfolk Police Department, on June 30 just before midnight, officers were called to Commonwealth Senior Living on Poplar Hall Drive regarding an unresponsive patient. Paramedics arrived at the senior home and pronounced 81-year-old Cleo Loizides deceased.
Police said the death was initially classified as undetermined but is now being investigated as a homicide.
Loizides’ daughter, Heather Cummings, and Heather Cummings’ son, Clifton Cummings, were arrested July 9 on charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
WAVY-TV reports investigators noted what appeared to be strangulation marks on Loizides’ neck. Heather Cummings, who traveled from Indiana, reportedly confessed to police that Clifton Cummings strangled his grandmother with one of his bag’s straps while she held Loizides down. Heather Cummings allegedly told Loizides, “Just let go. It’s for the best.”
Clifton Cummings will reportedly undergo a competency exam.