Crime & Safety
Woman Indicted In NYC Vocal Coach’s Shoving Death, Prosecutors Say
Lauren Pazienza, 26, of Long Island, faces a May 10 arraignment in the shoving death of Barbara Maier Gustern, 87, authorities said.

NEW YORK CITY — A grand jury indicted a Long Island woman in the shoving death of famed New York City vocal coach Barbara Maier Gustern, prosecutors announced.
The indictment will bring Lauren Pazienza, 26, into a Manhattan courtroom May 10 to face arraignment on a manslaughter charge, prosecutors said.
Pazienza turned herself in to authorities after a days-long search for a woman who police said shoved Gustern, 87, along a Chelsea street on March 10.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gustern suffered a head injury and later died. Her death sparked an outpouring of grief in the city’s arts community, where she was well-known as the vocal coach for “Blondie” singer Debbie Harry, “Bikini Kill” lead Kathleen Hanna, numerous Broadway shows, among many other connections.
The shoving suspect — who authorities said called Gustern a “b-—“ in the unprovoked attack — was identified by NYPD officials as a red-haired woman captured in surveillance footage.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When Pazienza surrendered to cops on March 22, her red hair covered her face.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.