In a chilling case that shocked Virginia, Heather Cummings, 53, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of her 81-year-old mother, Cleo Loizides.
The crime took place at a senior living facility in Virginia, where Heather traveled with her son, Clifton Cummings, to carry out the brutal act. Clifton, 24, will now stand trial for his alleged role in the murder.
The Crime and Confession
The tragic events unfolded on June 30, 2024, when Cleo Loizides was found unresponsive in her room at Commonwealth Senior Living. She was pronounced dead the following day. The cause of death was later determined to be homicide after an autopsy was conducted.
Heather Cummings confessed to holding her mother’s wrists during the strangulation while her son, Clifton, allegedly used a handbag strap to strangle Loizides. During the attack, Heather reportedly told her mother, “This is for the best.
You know what you did to my dad.” Prosecutors say that these words were linked to a long history of emotional and physical abuse that Heather claimed she had endured at the hands of her mother, which included blaming her mother for her father’s death.
Heather Cummings’ Statements in Court
At her sentencing hearing, Heather Cummings admitted to her role in her mother’s death and expressed how complicated her feelings were. Although she accused her mother of being responsible for her father’s death and described the abuse she had suffered, Heather stated she still loved her mother and missed her despite everything.
Prosecutors noted that Heather showed no remorse for her actions. She reportedly spoke of plans to live a peaceful life after the trial and even mentioned intentions to write a book about her late father’s photography.
The Son’s Involvement
Clifton Cummings, who is facing charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, is scheduled for a bench trial on August 4, 2024. He allegedly confessed to the police that he was the one who strangled his grandmother with a handbag strap purchased from a Dollar Tree store.
Heather and Clifton were both charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder after Cleo Loizides’ death.
The tragic murder of Cleo Loizides highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the devastating consequences of long-standing abuse.
Heather Cummings’ sentencing brings some form of justice, though the loss of her mother will undoubtedly continue to affect her family. As for Clifton, his trial will determine the role he played in the horrific act.
