Punk Star Rallies Fans To Find Slain Vocal Coach's Killer

NEW YORK CITY — A famous punk star, an actress-comedian and a theater critic formed an online chorus to call for justice for beloved coach Barbara Maier Gustern.

Gustern, 87, died after an unprovoked shove on March 10 along a Chelsea street — an incident NYPD officials recently deemed a homicide but remains unsolved.

The only clues are surveillance photos of a woman authorities said attacked Gustern and caused her shoving death.

"This person murdered my beloved friend and voice teacher Barbara Maier Gustern," tweeted Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of riot grrrl punk group Bikini Kill, along with a photo of a woman sought by the NYPD. "She is most likely in hiding but someone probably knows where she is."

This person murdered my beloved friend and voice teacher Barbara Maier Gustern. She is most likely in hiding but someone probably knows where she is. pic.twitter.com/rk8P95WQpC
— Kathleen Hanna (@kathleenhanna) March 17, 2022

Hanna's cry — which she directed at Broadway luminaries Lin-Manuel Miranda and Idina Menzel — was joined by Gustern's other prominent friends and admirers, who blitzed social media with messages.

"This is the woman who killed our beloved friend & mentor Barbara Maier Gustern," tweeted comedian and actress Lucie Pohl. "She still hasn’t been found. Barbara lived on her block for 60 years & this woman ended her life in the most brutal & senseless way."

"Clear images here of the person who pushed Barbara Maier Gustern to her death last week," tweeted Adam Feldman, a theater critic. "If you have any tips, please share them at the number below."

This is the woman who killed our beloved friend & mentor Barbara Maier Gustern. She still hasn’t been found. Barbara lived on her block for 60 years & this woman ended her life in the most brutal & senseless way. PLS SHARE & RT. Let’s find her🙏🏼 @Lin_Manuel @idinamenzel pic.twitter.com/2afKIYm7be
— Lucie Pohl💥 (@LuciePohlComedy) March 17, 2022

Clear images here of the person who pushed Barbara Maier Gustern to her death last week. If you have any tips, please share them at the number below. pic.twitter.com/YDoRKWRwCA
— Adam Feldman (@FeldmanAdam) March 17, 2022

The high-profile callouts aim to help NYPD investigators nab the as-yet-unidentified woman who police said shoved Gustern from behind as the elderly voice coach walked home near West 28th Street and Eighth Avenue.

Gustern hit her head and managed, with help, to make it back to her apartment, where a group of friends rehearsed for a cabaret show, the New York Times reported. She told police her attacker shouted a derogatory term, but soon lost consciousness and later died at Bellevue Medical Center, the Times reported.

The unprovoked attack and subsequent death shocked the city's music community. Gustern had worked as a vocal coach for singers such as Hanna and Debbie Harry, the leader singer of Blondie," as well as Broadway shows such as 2019's revival of "Oklahoma!"

Many tweeted tributes and remembrances to Gustern in the days after her death.

Barbara Maier Gustern, I don't think anyone ever expected this to be how you would make your exit. Hearts are broken everywhere for you were very deeply loved, far and wide. Thank you for your compassion, support, generosity and friendship. Soar on, Barbara. Soar on. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/yelJXuOnsQ
— Michael Loris (@MichaelLoris5) March 17, 2022

Police have also circulated surveillance footage and images of a woman they said pushed Gustern.

"We're asking the public's help and solving this disgusting and disgraceful offense, committed against a vulnerable elderly female who was doing nothing but walking down the streets of New York City," said James Essig, the NYPD's chief of detectives, last week.

Authorities described Gustern's attacker as a woman with a light complexion and long dark hair. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, black leggings, white skirt or dress and dark shoes.

People with tips are asked to call NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.