John Jefferson
Heather Cummings (Norfolk Police Department), a friend holds up a photo of Cleo Loizides from her modeling days in the 1960s (WVEC/screengrab), Clifton Cummings (Norfolk Police Department)
After a woman was found dead at an assisted living facility in Norfolk, Virginia, in late June, authorities concluded that the 81-year-old was the victim of a strangulation murder perpetrated by her own daughter and grandson.
Cleo Ann Loizides’ obituary said that she was survived by her daughter Heather Ann Cummings, 53, and grandson Clifton Cummings, 24, but Virginia court records reviewed by Law&Crime show that both are behind bars as they face second-degree murder charges for allegedly plotting to travel from Indiana to strangle the victim at an assisted living facility.
The Norfolk Police Department alleges that the defendants went to the Commonwealth Senior Living on June 30 and Loizides’ grandson strangled her with a bag strap as the victim’s daughter restrained her and said “just let go, it’s for the best,” WTKR reported.
After investigators determined more than a week later that Loizides was a homicide victim, given signs of strangulation on her neck, attention shifted to the defendants, who allegedly confessed before they were even charged.
Judi Evans McArthur sat for interview with local ABC affiliate WVEC and held up decades-old photographs of her friend from the days they worked together as models.
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McArthur reportedly said she is a regular reader of obituaries in the news and was shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations that Loizides died by violence. She remembered her friend as having a “great sense of humor.”
Loizides’ obituary, in addition to mentioning the individuals charged with murdering her by name, referenced her modeling career in the 1960s and detailed how she met her husband.
“Cleo’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to her step father’s work, leading her to attend numerous primary schools and then graduated from Aurora High School in North Carolina. She embarked on a glamorous career as a model with Charm Associates in the 1960’s and a successful stint in banking in Norfolk,” the obit said. “At the same time she also volunteered for Norfolk’s Little Theatre which is where she met John James Loizides, the man who would become her husband in 1964.”
The assisted living facility, for its part, reportedly called the case a “terrible tragedy” and said it has cooperated with investigators.
Court records say Heather Cummings is an Indiana resident and Clifton Cummings has a Norfolk address.
Both suspects are scheduled to have bond hearings on Friday morning. They could face anywhere from five to 40 years in prison if convicted as charged.
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