Woman turns herself in after fatal attack on 87-year-old singing coach
A 26-year-old woman has turned herself in to police after admitting to attacking an 87-year-old woman, which led to her death.
Lauren Pazienza shoved Barbara Maier Gustern before striking her on the back of the head in an unprompted attack on March 10th in New York City.
The NYPD released a picture of the woman wanted for the attack, just days before Lauren turned herself in to authorities.
Police identified Pazienza through video and her Metrocard, police sources said.
Pazienza covered her face with her hair as she was led by detectives to a car for transport to criminal court, as she refused to answer reporters who asked her about the allegation she pushed Gustern.
Following the brutal attack, Barbara was in critical condition until she died from her injuries on March 14th.
“Today, at 11:15am, we have lost one of the brightest little flames to ever grace this world,” her grandson wrote on Gustern’s Facebook page.
“I ask that you all give me a little time and space, but I want to make time for anyone and everyone who wants to know more about her final moments,” the post said.
“Bobbob, I love you, you are and always will be my heart,” it said. “I love you all so much, I could not have made it through these past 5 days without all of your support.”
Barbara Maier Gustern, who was a renowned vocal coach and tutored famous students including Blondie singer Debbie Harry, was walking around at night alone when the attack occurred.
Her red-headed attacker then ran off, with police saying the attacker crossed the street before pushing Gustern, who suffered a fatal head injury.
NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig described it as a “disgusting, disgraceful law offence” committed against a “vulnerable elderly female who is doing nothing but walking down the streets of New York City”.
Image credits: NYPD / Facebook