Long Island Woman Accused In Fatal NYC Shove To Have Psychological Evaluation: Report

NEW YORK, NY — The Port Jefferson woman accused of shoving a well-known elderly voice coach, leading to her death days later, is expected to finish a psychological evaluation within the next month, Newsday reported.

Twenty-seven-year-old Lauren Pazienza's defense attorneys say they have been preparing an assessment to show she had been drinking excessively the night before she allegedly shoved Barbara Gustern, 87, in New York City the outlet reported.

Should the district attorney's office and defense experts agree Pazienza was inebriated and that there were other psychological components involved when she is alleged to have shoved Gustern, it could be used in plea negotiations, according to Newsday.

Pazienza, 26, is accused of approaching Gustern from behind and then pushing her to the ground. Gustern suffered a severe head injury and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. She died five days later.

Pazienza turned herself in to authorities after a day's-long search in March. She has pleaded not guilty and previously turned down a plea deal twice. She faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
As New York City Patch reported, Gustern's death sparked an outpouring of grief in the city's arts community.

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.

Authorities said she called Gustern a "b-—" in the unprovoked attack.

For more in Newsday, click here.