81-year-old killed by daughter and grandchild at senior living home, Virginia cops say

An 81-year-old woman was killed by two family members at a senior living facility in Virginia, police said.

Now, 53-year-old Heather Cummings of Indiana and 24-year-old Clifton Cummings of Norfolk, Virginia, have been charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, police said.

McClatchy News reached out to Clifton Cummings’ attorney on July 11 and did not immediately receive a response. The public defender’s office declined to speak to media regarding Heather Cummings’ case.

“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 terrible tragedy,” a spokesperson for Commonwealth Senior Living told McClatchy News.

The pair were with Cleo Loizides at Commonwealth Senior Living on June 30, the Norfolk Police Department said in a July 10 news release.

But shortly before midnight, staff called police to report that Loizides was unresponsive, officers said. When first responders arrived, they found the woman dead.

Her death was determined to be a homicide, and her two family members were charged July 9, Norfolk police said.

“Our staff first contacted authorities following protocols when the death occurred,” the spokesperson told McClatchy News. “We have cooperated with police throughout their investigation. This is now a police matter, and inquiries about the investigation should be directed to Norfolk City police. Commonwealth Senior Living will support prosecution and accountability to the full extent of the law.”

Norfolk is on the southeast coast, about an 18-mile drive west from Virginia Beach.

This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 4:05 PM with the headline "81-year-old killed by daughter and grandchild at senior living home, Virginia cops say."