Woman turns herself in for shove that killed beloved voice coach: cops
The woman wanted for shoving a beloved 87-year-old voice coach to her death in Manhattan nearly two weeks ago turned herself in to the NYPD Tuesday morning, police said.
Lauren Pazienza, 26, was charged with manslaughter in the death of Barbara Maier Gustern after turning herself in at the NYPD’s 10th Precinct in Chelsea, cops said. Pazienza is from Port Jefferson.
“She turned herself in with her attorney this morning,” a police official said.
Pazienza, of Port Jefferson, covered her face with her hair as she was led by detectives to a car for transport to criminal court. She refused to answer reporters who asked her about the allegation she pushed Gustern.
The NYPD released a clear picture Friday of the woman wanted for the horrific attack on Gustern, who struck her head after she was pushed from behind around 8:30 p.m. March 10 at West 28th Street and 8th Avenue.
Police identified Pazienza through video and her MetroCard, police sources said.
A deactivated LinkedIn page lists her as Communications & Events Coordinator, North America at Roche Bobois furniture store. The company released a statement saying she no longer worked there.
“Lauren Pazienza resigned from her role at Roche Bobois in December 2021, and the company has no additional comments at this time,” the statement said.
The Port Jefferson address is Pazienza’s parents home. She also has an address in Astoria where she lives with her fiance, police sources said.
Gustern was in critical condition before she died March 14.
Services will be held for Gustern on Saturday, March 26, according to her Facebook page.
