NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The daughter and grandson of an 81-year-old woman who was killed in a Norfolk senior living facility remain behind bars on charges of second-degree murder after they confessed to the killing, police said.
Heather A. Cummings, 53, of Hobart, Indiana, and Clifton L. Cummings, 24, of Norfolk, have been charged not only with second-degree murder, but also conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Cleo A. Loizides, the woman’s elderly mother. Police said the suspects gave a confession before they were charged.
“I’m horrified,” said Christina Drumm-Boyd, owner and founder of Care Connect Hampton Roads. “I haven’t heard anything like this in the decades that I’ve been working in this industry. This is the first case that I’ve heard of here locally like this and hopefully it’s the last.”
On June 30, Norfolk Police were called to Commonwealth Senior Living to investigate an unresponsive patient, later identified as Loizides, who was later pronounced dead.
On July 9, detectives charged two suspects with her death: her daughter, Heather A. Cummings and her grandson, Clifton L. Cummings. The team at Care Connect Hampton Roads said a case like this deepens their passion for senior advocacy and care management.
“If we see any red flags whatsoever, we’re required to report that,” Drumm-Boyd said, “and it’s for reasons such as this that you have to be watched so closely. The family members, we don’t always know that they have the best of intentions.”
Care Connect provides guidance and access to care for seniors, but Drumm-Boyd said it’s everyone’s duty to keep an eye on our elderly neighbors.
“You have to be really diligent, from the administrator, to training with the staff at the communities,” Drumm-Boyd said. “Just to know each of the family members coming in, the staff should be looking to see if the senior is disturbed after the visit.”
Aside from emotional signs, it’s also important to check for physical clues that a senior may be distressed.
“Across the board within the industry, some changes will need to be put into place,” Drumm-Boyd said.
The two suspects remain at the Norfolk City Jail without bond. Commonwealth Senior Living shared this statement on the incident:
Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall is aware of the homicide charges against the daughter and grandson of one of our residents who died on June 30.
Our staff first contacted authorities following protocols when the death occurred. 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.
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.
— Commonwealth Senior Living