RADFORD, Va. – UPDATE (10:42 a.m. Sept. 5)
While making her first court appearance, the 21-year-old woman accused of killing her roommate waived her right to a preliminary hearing, on the advice of her attorney.
Luisa Cutting, a former Radford University student, made her first court appearance Thursday since being charged with killing Alexa Cannon in January.
Cutting's attorney, Blair Howard, said after reviewing the evidence carefully, they believe there was sufficient probable cause to believe their client was involved in this tragic event and thought it was better to waive the preliminary hearing.
"We believe, that there were significant mental issues with our client on the occasion of this very, very tragic event," said Howard.
The appearance lasted only 15 minutes.
A grand jury hearing is now scheduled for Sept. 13.
ORIGINAL STORY
After two continuances, a former Radford University student is scheduled to make her first court appearance Thursday morning, charged with the second-degree murder of her roommate.
Luisa Cutting, 21, is charged with the fatal stabbing of Alexa Cannon in January.
Cannon, who was from Roanoke, also attended Radford University and was planning to graduate next year. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 2016.
On January 24, authorities responded to the 1200 block of Clement Street at 7:45 a.m. in reference to a 911 call.
When they arrived, Cutting opened the door. She was covered in blood, turned around, put her hands behind her head and said to officers, "Arrest me," according to a search warrant.
When an officer asked what was going on, she said, "I killed her," according to the warrant.
Inside the apartment, officers found Cannon's body. Search warrants indicate she had been stabbed multiple times.
Cutting's two previous court appearances, scheduled for January 25 and June 13, were both continued, making Thursday's appearance the first step in the legal process.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Radford General District Court.