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Woman Charged In Friend's Fatal Crockpot Bludgeoning To Get 2nd Mental Exam

Tewana Sullivan
Tewana Sullivan (Booking photo)

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A judge says a Detroit woman who allegedly bludgeoned her friend to death with a slow cooker during an alcohol-fueled argument about politics will get another mental competency examination.

Tewana Sullivan, 50, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 66-year-old Cheryl Livy at Livy's apartment in McNamara Towers, a senior housing complex near 7 Mile and Telegraph Rd. in Livonia.

Defense attorney John McWilliams got approval for the exam on Thursday from Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hathaway.

The Detroit News reports the examination, scheduled this month, will also evaluate for criminal responsibility.

McWilliams, previously told reporters  his client's blood alcohol level that day registered at 0.41 — five times the legal limit for driving in Michigan, when she picked up the crockpot and attacked Livy on Oct. 22, 2014.

McWilliams said that his client can't assist with her own defense because doesn't remember details of what happened.

"She is not legally responsible for any criminal activity because of insanity," McWilliams said after a court hearing.

Sullivan was arrested after officers found Livy severely beaten and unconscious, with the power cord of the slow cooker wrapped around her neck. A police officer said he found Sullivan sobbing near her injured friend and saying she was "sorry" she "did it." Livy was rushed to a local hospital where she died three days later.

McWilliams said the long-time friends were arguing about presidential politics, but hasn't said who took which side.

Results from an earlier competency exam and the new tests are to be released in court on May 8.

Sullivan remains held without bond as she awaits her trial scheduled for June 1.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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