Alexa Cannon (20) and Luisa Cutting (21) have been best friends since their freshman year of college. They first met online and then lived across the hall from each other for a year in college. In 2018, they decided to share an off-campus apartment.
The girls were always smiling in their social media posts when they were with each other. Alexa captioned one of her final Instagram posts with Luisa, “Love you more Lu and everyone pray that we don’t kill each other this year.”
However, on January 24th, 2019, their bond became truly lethal. Neighbors heard screaming and arguing through the walls in the early hours of that morning. When the mention of a knife was made, a neighbor called 911. When the cops arrived at the girls’ apartment, Luisa opened the door drenched in blood. She turned around, clasped her hands behind her back, and yelled, “arrest me.”
The officer asked Luisa what was going on to which she replied with “I killed her.” While examining the apartment, authorities found Alexa laying on the ground with a large butcher knife sticking out of her mouth. She had been stabbed 30 times.
Luisa was returned to the police station for questioning. She acted strangely, rambling and saying she “did cocaine with the devil.” She also alluded to the Apocalypse, recited the Hail Mary prayer in Spanish, and attempted to shove her entire fist into her mouth. Her behavior became so concerning that she was admitted to a mental institution for a week.
Luisa was found to have taken a drug cocktail that included cocaine, mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, marijuana, and alcohol on the night of Alexa’s murder. Her defense attorney claimed that the drugs, along with a lack of sleep and mental illness, caused her to have a psychotic break. Just over two weeks before she murdered her roommate, Luisa tweeted, “I know death is coming, but I still can’t wrap my head around it.”
She was charged with second degree murder.
“There are no words to describe this tragedy.” And my heart is heavy with sadness and grief. My thoughts are with the Cannon family. I sincerely apologize. I fully accept responsibility for this. I apologize once more for this tragedy. I’d like to express my gratitude to my parents and friends for being by my side during this tragic time. “Thank you,” Luisa said. Alexa’s family wanted Luisa to accept a plea deal so they wouldn’t have to hear the details of her murder during a trial.
Therefore, Luisa took a plea deal for 40 years that would ultimately be suspended after she served 20 years. After her release in 2039, she will be on probation for 10 years.