Mental Exam Ordered For Woman Who Police Say Beat Friend To Death With Crockpot

LIVONIA (WWJ/AP) - A judge has ordered a mental competency exam for a 50-year-old woman charged with beating her friend to death with a crockpot in Livonia.

The judge on Thursday granted a Wayne County prosecutor's request that Tewana Sullivan of Detroit undergo the examination in the death of 66-year-old Cheryl Livy. Sullivan is charged with first-degree murder.

The prosecutor says there are "many red flags" regarding Sullivan's mental state, although Sullivan's attorney, John McWilliams, says his client is competent to stand trial. He said before the Thursday hearing that Livy could have died "in an accident."

Livonia police said Sullivan was visiting a relative on the night of Oct. 22 at an apartment building, on Purlingbrook, northwest of 7 Mile and Telegraph roads, when she attacked Livy — although they haven't said what might have led to the assault.

Sullivan was arrested after officers found Livy severely beaten and unconscious.

Lilly was rushed to a local hospital where she died three days from her injuries.

Sullivan was ordered held without bond at the Wayne County Jail. She faces up to life in prison if convicted.

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