Title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Fatally Shoving Broadway Vocal Coach in New York
Subtitle: Lauren Pazienza will face eight years in prison and five years of supervision after the incident
Date: [Current Date]
Manhattan, New York – In a significant development, Lauren Pazienza, the woman who pushed 87-year-old Broadway vocal coach Barbara Gustern to the ground, causing her death, has pleaded guilty to a first-degree manslaughter charge. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the plea agreement on Wednesday.
According to the terms of the agreement, Pazienza will be sentenced to eight years in prison, followed by five years of supervision upon her release, as stated in a news release from the DA’s office. This decision comes after the incident that took place on March 10, 2022, when Pazienza intentionally shoved Gustern to the ground during an altercation.
Gustern was immediately rushed to the hospital following the incident, but tragically, she later passed away from a “massive hemorrhage” to her brain. The fall resulted in severe injuries that proved fatal for the legendary vocal coach.
Barbara Gustern was a beloved figure in New York City and beyond, recognized for her talent as a musical theater performer and vocal coach. In a statement, DA Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. expressed his condolences, emphasizing Gustern’s impact on the community.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET when Pazienza, who was walking from Chelsea Park, crossed a street and shouted obscenities at Gustern. She then proceeded to intentionally shove her, causing her to fall directly on her head. Eyewitnesses immediately called for emergency medical services, but Pazienza callously walked away as Gustern lay bleeding on the ground.
Despite the absence of any apparent reason for the attack, Pazienza showed no remorse and promptly removed herself from social media platforms and her wedding website. She later traveled to Long Island to stay with her family, evading justice.
The plea agreement now holds Pazienza accountable for her deadly actions. Commenting on Pazienza’s guilty plea, DA Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. highlighted the significance of the decision in ensuring justice for the late Barbara Gustern. He remarked that Pazienza aggressively pushed the victim to the ground, showing a blatant disregard for human life.
CNN has reached out to Lauren Pazienza’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, for comment but has received no response so far. Previously, during Pazienza’s release on bail in March 2022, Aidala expressed Pazienza’s relief at being able to go home and be with her family. He also offered condolences to the Gustern family on the day of Barbara Gustern’s funeral.
Lauren Pazienza’s sentencing is scheduled for September 29, according to the DA’s office. As the trial moves forward, the court aims to deliver justice and closure to the family of Barbara Gustern, who lost a cherished member of their community due to this tragic incident.