Trial Set For Accused Crockpot Killer In Bludgeoning Over 'Presidential Politics'
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A trial has been set for June for a 50-year-old Detroit woman accused of bludgeoning her friend to death with a slow cooker during an alcohol-fueled argument about politics.
A not-guilty plea was entered Thursday for Tewana Sullivan. She's charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 66-year-old Cheryl Livy at Livy's Livonia apartment last year.
It was Sullivan's first appearance in Wayne County Circuit Court since a Livonia judge found her competent for trial. Wayne County Judge Michael Hathaway scheduled a trial for June 1. The next hearing is April 2.
Police have said that Sullivan was visiting a relative at the McNamara Towers senior housing complex on Purlingbrook, northwest of 7 Mile and Telegraph roads, when she attacked Livy on Oct. 22.
Defense attorney John McWilliams has said the long-time friends were arguing about presidential politics and "whatever the controversy is between Democrats and Republicans." He hasn't said who took which side.
McWilliams said his client's blood alcohol level that day registered at 0.41 — five times the legal limit for driving in Michigan, which is .08.
"It's a recipe for tragedy," he told the Detroit News. "That's just out of sight."
Sullivan was arrested after officers found Livy severely beaten and unconscious, with the power cord of the slow cooker wrapped around her neck. Livy was rushed to a local hospital where she died three days later.
A medical examiner ruled that Livy died of blunt force injuries to the head, face and back. She also had defensive injuries on hands, apparently from trying to protect herself.
McWilliams said it's too early to know whether Sullivan will consider a plea deal. She's jailed without bond.
First-degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without possibility of parole.
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