NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Attorneys for Lauren Pazienza, the Port Jefferson woman who fatally shoved 87-year-old voice teacher Barbara Gustern in Chelsea, filed a motion on Tuesday that indicated they intend to pursue a psychological defense, prosecutors say.
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The trial was scheduled to start earlier this week, but the motion will push proceedings back to Dec. 8.
Pazienza, who was 26 years old at the time, shoved Gustern without provocation on March 10 on W. 28th Street near Eighth Avenue, prosecutors said.
The beloved voice coach died from head injuries she suffered in the fall five days later, and Pazienza turned herself in to police a week after that.
Pazienza could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the manslaughter, assault and injuring a person over 65 offenses she’s charged with.
Defense attorney Arthur Aidala submitted a mental health report to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office claiming she has mental health issues.
Aidala said Pazienza has received counseling while being held at Rikers Island, but did not publicly specify if she has a specific diagnosis.
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