Heather Cummings, 53, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of her mother, 81-year-old Cleo Loizides. The tragic event unfolded on June 30, 2024, when Loizides was killed in her room at Commonwealth Senior Living. Cummings admitted her role in the death, and her son, 24-year-old Clifton Cummings, is set to stand trial for his alleged involvement.
The Murder and Confessions
According to prosecutors, Heather Cummings held her mother’s wrists while her son, Clifton, strangled Loizides using a handbag strap. During the incident, Heather reportedly told her mother, “This is for the best. You know what you did to my dad.” After the fatal act, Loizides was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was homicide.
Court documents reveal that Heather Cummings, who was living in Indiana at the time, confessed to her part in the crime. She and her son were both charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder shortly after the death. Clifton Cummings allegedly confessed to police that he was the one who strangled his grandmother with the handbag strap, which was reportedly bought at a Dollar Tree store in Virginia.
A Daughter’s Painful Admission
At her sentencing hearing, Heather Cummings spoke about the difficult relationship she had with her mother, accusing her of being responsible for her father’s death. Despite admitting to physical abuse from her mother, Cummings expressed that she still loved her and missed her. Prosecutors noted that Heather Cummings showed no remorse for her actions and discussed how she planned to live a peaceful life after the trial, even mentioning plans to write a book about her late father’s photography.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Heather Cummings pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Meanwhile, her son, Clifton Cummings, will face a bench trial scheduled for August 4, 2024. The case continues to unfold as both mother and son face the consequences of their involvement in this tragic killing.
This heartbreaking case reflects a complicated and troubled family dynamic. The loss of Cleo Loizides, combined with the violent actions of her daughter and grandson, has left a lasting impact on the community. While Heather Cummings has been sentenced, the legal proceedings continue with Clifton Cummings awaiting trial for his role in the crime.
