TN - Eight people killed, Sumner County deaths linked, Apr 2019 *Arrest*

[watcher9]

The count is up to eight victims now.

Authorities say victim in Tennessee killings was decapitated

 

[Gardener1850]

The count is up to eight victims now.

Authorities say victim in Tennessee killings was decapitated

Some quotes:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee authorities have revealed there was an eighth victim in a mass killing last month and his head was found 25 yards from his body.

Seven warrants were filed Thursday and Friday charging 25-year-old Michael Cummins with first-degree murder. A criminal homicide warrant was filed earlier.

An affidavit says Jim Dunn's body and head were found April 17 near a burnt rural cabin. It says authorities discovered Dunn's missing rifle April 27 at one of the homes where six bodies were found.

 

[YESorNO]

Murder suspect may have been selling victim's items days before seven other killings (with clip)

May 12, 2019

".... It’s unclear if the Sheriff’s Office knew Cummins had or was trying to sell Dunn's items.

Cummins will have his first appearance in court on May 29."

Murder suspect may have been selling victim's items days before seven other killings

+ 8th victim, Jim Dunn

 

[altojack]

I'm trying to understand why Cummins has been left running free without any mental health check. Whilst I appreciate the State may be low on funds for these checks and any relevant treatment, he was ordered to have a check. I would think though that someone who's mental state is as bad as his, he isn't going to take those steps himself. I'm from UK so don't know how your system works but isn't there provision to have these checks done whilst under arrest if his mental health is that bad.

It's a horrendous case, the remaining family members must be stunned to say the least.

 

[Kyshoegal]

Red flags before Westmoreland homicides a 'wake-up call,' attorney says

May 3, 2019

"Red flags in the run-up to Sumner County homicides that left seven people dead should serve as a "wake-up call" for the state, according to a prominent defense attorney who reviewed the case.

Attorney Alex Little said the case exposes flaws with the ways the criminal justice system handles offenders with mental health problems. Challenges are particularly potent in rural areas that can lack the funds and the infrastructure to get treatment to those who need it.

“We spend a lot more money putting people in jail than we do actually addressing the underlying issues that get them to the courthouse in the first place," Little said.

Michael Lee Cummins, the suspect in the Sumner County deaths, had a lengthy criminal history in Sumner County, including previous convictions for aggravated assault, domestic assault and attempted aggravated arson...."

Red flags before Westmoreland homicides a 'wake-up call,' attorney says
--------------------------------

Family, friends remember Westmoreland murder victims

May 03, 2019

Family, friends remember Westmoreland murder victims


"Attorney Alex Little said the case exposes flaws with the ways the criminal justice system handles offenders with mental health problems. Challenges are particularly potent in rural areas that can lack the funds and the infrastructure to get treatment to those who need it.

“We spend a lot more money putting people in jail than we do actually addressing the underlying issues that get them to the courthouse in the first place," Little said.

WOW, you think??? With all the mass shootings in this country why does it take something like this happening in your own backyard to realize mental health and gun access in this country is a real issue? Speechless

 

[YESorNO]

'He heard the screams and ran': Sheriff gives new details in Michael Cummins homicide cases

May 22, 2019

"WESTMORELAND — Michael Cummins heard the piercing screams from several hundred yards away, authorities said, as he tried to dig out a stolen black Kia stuck in gravel along Middle Forks Drake Creek in a heavily wooded area 50 miles north of Nashville.

His family members had found the bodies.

So he took off into the woods, just behind the crime scene, according to Sumner County Sheriff Sonny Weatherford....

....Cummins was taken into custody and transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, where he spent close to two weeks before he was released into TBI custody.

He was later charged with seven counts of first-degree murder, one count of criminal homicide, one count of attempt to commit first-degree murder and one count of theft....

'I'm afraid somebody will kill him'

Weatherford would not suggest a motive or say if additional charges are pending against Cummins. But he did say more information would likely be revealed during testimony at Cummins' upcoming preliminary hearing on the homicide charges....

During his time in the hospital, Cummins underwent surgery to his leg, but Weatherford could not release more details about his injury due to privacy laws.

After being released from the hospital, Cummins was transported to the Sumner County Jail to be booked.

He was then moved to a Tennessee Department of Corrections Special Needs Unit in Davidson County where he will remain until his May 29 court hearing.

For his own safety.

"We don't want him up here," Weatherford said, then slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid somebody will kill him.""


https://www.tennessean.com/story/new...ls/3706296002/

 

[PastTense]

"In this small community where almost everybody knows almost everybody else, Michael Cummins was a nobody.

He quit school and didn't work. When his parents ventured into town, he stayed home. Cummins, 25, gradually became the most insular member of a poor family that kept to itself on the outskirts of Westmoreland, a struggling ex-railroad town near the Kentucky border.

To the few who knew Cummins, there were signs of trouble. Interviews and public records show he was an unruly child, a struggling student and as a young man suffered from mental health problems and fell into a spiral of escalating crime. In recent years, Cummins re-offended so often that rehabilitation efforts never got off the ground."

Michael Cummins: Before 8 homicide charges, a life of poverty, stalking and attempted suicide

 

[NervousNellie]

"In this small community where almost everybody knows almost everybody else, Michael Cummins was a nobody.

He quit school and didn't work. When his parents ventured into town, he stayed home. Cummins, 25, gradually became the most insular member of a poor family that kept to itself on the outskirts of Westmoreland, a struggling ex-railroad town near the Kentucky border.

To the few who knew Cummins, there were signs of trouble. Interviews and public records show he was an unruly child, a struggling student and as a young man suffered from mental health problems and fell into a spiral of escalating crime. In recent years, Cummins re-offended so often that rehabilitation efforts never got off the ground."

Michael Cummins: Before 8 homicide charges, a life of poverty, stalking and attempted suicide

Thanks for finding/sharing that, PastTense! That's uncharacteristically detailed and informative. What a tragic situation.

 

[altojack]

Has anyone seen if today's hearing will be live streamed? A big event apparently, 2 judges will be sitting in Sumner County Court.

 

[YESorNO]

Michael Cummins: What to expect from today's hearing in Sumner County mass killing case

"This story will be updated throughout the day Wednesday, May 29, as evidence is presented during the preliminary hearing. Check back for more.

Michael Cummins, accused of killing eight people last month, will appear before two judges in Sumner County courts Wednesday. Cummins faces multiple counts of first-degree murder, along with several other charges, including criminal homicide, theft and violation of probation.

Here's what to expect from the hearings:..."

Michael Cummins: What to expect from today's hearing in Sumner County mass killing case

 

[altojack]

Michael Cummins appeared in court today in a wheelchair. He sat beside his defence team rocking back and forth until he spoke to his Defense he was steady then. A few witnesses were called giving details of the scene where family were found, gruesome to listen to and makes me wonder even more, why wasn't he put away before and given treatment.

 

[YESorNO]

Westmoreland slayings suspect Michael Cummins appears in court (with clip)

May 29, 2019

"SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Michael Cummins stands accused of killing eight people last month in Westmoreland, and today he made his first appearance at the Sumner County General Sessions Courthouse. On hand were some of the family members that lost loved ones on that horrific night.

Sitting in silence as he was wheeled into the courtroom, Michael Cummins came face-to-face with some of the family members of those he is accused of killing.
"The moment they wheeled him into the courtroom I wished for him to die," said Steve McGlothlin, one of the family members present in the courtroom on Wednesday. ...

In that hearing, disturbing details were revealed about the night eight people were murdered....

Cummins' case was bound over to a grand jury, but a date for that hearing has not been scheduled at this time."

Westmoreland slaying suspect Michael Cummins appears in court
---



WBFF FOX 45 was live.
9 hrs ·
ACCUSED MASS KILLER IN COURT: Michael Cummins, accused of killing 8 people in Sumner County, faces a court where investigators are describing the grisly murder scenes & discoveries of multiple bodies
Case against man accused of killing 8 in Sumner County bound over to Grand Jury

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2182071602010096

 

[YESorNO]

Survivor of Westmoreland killings released from hospital

May 31, 2019

"WESTMORELAND, Tenn. — The sole survivor of the Westmoreland killings was released from the hospital Wednesday.

Mary Sue Hosale was injured in the attack that killed eight people in April.

She was released the same day the suspect, 25-year-old Michael Cummins, was in court to see his case ordered to a grand jury...."

Survivor of Westmoreland killings released from hospital

 

[YESorNO]

Sumner Co. DA: Waiting on evidence, psych. eval. before seeking death penalty for Cummins (with clip)

May 31st 2019

"SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Sumner County District Attorney Ray Whitley is still awaiting more evidence processing from the TBI and a mental health examination for Michael Cummins before deciding he will seek the death penalty for Cummins who is accused of killing eight people.

"We have to wait until we determine what his mental state is, determine what the evidence is, fit that into the law and make a decision," Whitley said after Cummins preliminary hearing.

Whitley has taken criticism from the family of victims who think Sumner County was too lenient on Cummins after a conviction for aggravated arson and aggravated assault...."

Sumner Co. DA: Waiting on evidence, psych. eval. before seeking death penalty for Cummins

 

[YESorNO]

Michael Cummins has history of violent mental health issues, state corrections records show

 

[YESorNO]

Autopsy reports detail violent Westmoreland murders

Jul 03, 2019

"WESTMORELAND, Tenn. (WTVF) — Autopsy results of six murder victims in the brutal Westmoreland murders reveal the details of a violent killing spree....

Autopsy reports of six of them were released, suggesting a violent killing spree in which all of them died from blunt force trauma - two of which died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Clare Cummins, 44, was found on bedroom floor of the home. She died of multiple lacerations including five to the head. Charles Cummins, 45, was found on bedroom floor with multiple lacerations.

Sapphire McGlothlin-Pee, 12, was found on the living room couch, and suffered from five sharp cuts to the back of the head.

Shirley Ferhle also died from blunt force injuries - 13 lacerations to the head. She also suffered rib and sternum fractures and extensive skull fractures into pieces. David Cummins was found on the bedroom bed with 11 lacerations to the head. Marsha Nuckols was found on living room couch and died from blunt force head trauma."

Autopsy reports detail violent Westmoreland murders

 

[Gardener1850]

Autopsy reports detail violent Westmoreland murders

Jul 03, 2019

"WESTMORELAND, Tenn. (WTVF) — Autopsy results of six murder victims in the brutal Westmoreland murders reveal the details of a violent killing spree....

Autopsy reports of six of them were released, suggesting a violent killing spree in which all of them died from blunt force trauma - two of which died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Clare Cummins, 44, was found on bedroom floor of the home. She died of multiple lacerations including five to the head. Charles Cummins, 45, was found on bedroom floor with multiple lacerations.

Sapphire McGlothlin-Pee, 12, was found on the living room couch, and suffered from five sharp cuts to the back of the head.

Shirley Ferhle also died from blunt force injuries - 13 lacerations to the head. She also suffered rib and sternum fractures and extensive skull fractures into pieces. David Cummins was found on the bedroom bed with 11 lacerations to the head. Marsha Nuckols was found on living room couch and died from blunt force head trauma."

Autopsy reports detail violent Westmoreland murders

Horrific. I notice that all were found either in a bedroom or on a couch. Did he attack while they were sleeping? Could that be why no one had a chance to flee or call 911?

MOO.

 

[altojack]

Evidence in Michael Cummins case goes before grand jury this week
Amy Nixon Nashville Tennessean
Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 5, 2019
A Sumner County grand jury will hear testimony this week in the case against Michael Cummins, who is accused of carrying out what has been dubbed the largest mass homicide in Tennessee's history.

District Attorney Ray Whitley said the grand jury will convene Monday through Wednesday. If any indictments are handed down, those would likely be submitted to the Sumner County clerk's office Thursday, he explained.

Grand jury hearings are closed to the public.

 

[Gardener1850]

Evidence in Michael Cummins case goes before grand jury this week
Amy Nixon Nashville Tennessean
Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 5, 2019
A Sumner County grand jury will hear testimony this week in the case against Michael Cummins, who is accused of carrying out what has been dubbed the largest mass homicide in Tennessee's history.

District Attorney Ray Whitley said the grand jury will convene Monday through Wednesday. If any indictments are handed down, those would likely be submitted to the Sumner County clerk's office Thursday, he explained.

Grand jury hearings are closed to the public.

Link: Evidence in Michael Cummins case goes before grand jury this week

 

[altojack]

Link: Evidence in Michael Cummins case goes before grand jury this week

Thank you for putting the link in for me, though I'd put at the top. I should have checked before dashing off to do something else.