Woman Charged In Crockpot Murder Ruled Competent For Trial
LIVONIA (WWJ/AP) - A 50-year-old Detroit woman accused of beating a longtime friend to death with a crockpot has been found mentally competent to stand trial on a first-degree murder charge.
Tewana Sullivan appeared in Livonia's 16th District Court on Thursday where a judge issued the ruling.
Authorities say Sullivan attacked 66-year-old Cheryl Livy on Oct. 22 inside Livy's apartment at the McNamara Towers senior housing complex on Purlingbrook, northwest of 7 Mile and Telegraph roads.
A Livonia district judge ordered a competency exam in November at the prosecution's request.
Police have said that Sullivan was visiting a relative at the apartment building when she attacked Livy — although they haven't said what might have led to the assault. Sullivan's attorney, John McWilliams, told the Detroit News 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 said. "That's just out of sight."
Sullivan was arrested after officers found Livy severely beaten and unconscious. Livy was rushed to a local hospital where she died three days later from her injuries.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5. First-degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without possibility of parole.
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