A woman who pleaded guilty to the fatal shoving of an 87-year-old New York City voice coach has been sentenced to 8.5 years in prison, along with 5 years of post-release supervision. Lauren Pazienza pushed Barbara Gustern in Manhattan on March 10, 2022, leading to Gustern’s death from blunt force trauma to the head. Pazienza’s attorney did not immediately comment on the sentencing. The incident occurred when Pazienza shouted obscenities at Gustern before crossing the street and shoving her to the ground. Pazienza was arrested almost two weeks after the attack.
Gustern suffered a head injury and developed hemorrhaging to the left side of her brain. She was taken to the hospital, where she eventually became unconscious and was later removed from life support, dying five days later. Pazienza entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter on August 23 as part of a plea deal. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed condolences to Gustern’s family and community, acknowledging the tragedy and hope for some closure in the wake of the legal proceedings.
The sentencing of Lauren Pazienza to 8.5 years in prison for the fatal shoving of Barbara Gustern highlights the consequences of her violent actions. Pazienza’s guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter resulted in a plea deal and the additional requirement of 5 years of post-release supervision. The incident occurred when Pazienza engaged in verbal aggression towards Gustern before physically assaulting her. Gustern sustained severe head trauma, leading to her hospitalization and subsequent death. The district attorney expressed sympathy for Gustern’s loved ones and recognized that the resolution of the case may bring some closure amidst their ongoing grief.