Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) – The woman who was brutally beaten reportedly by another patient while returning home from a day outing with People Inc. in the town of Tonawanda has succumbed to her injuries. Her family announced her passing on a GoFundMe page created in her honor.
Link to the Go Fund Me page set up by Diana's family HERE.
WBEN first reported the story last week. According to a police report obtained through a Freedom of Information request, 56-year-old Diana Robinson was attacked by another patient at the day habilitation center on April 1.
The report detailed that Robinson, a patient at the facility, had her head slammed against the window, had her hair pulled, and was bitten by another patient. Previously, WBEN chose not to release the names of those involved. The other patient involved in the attack was originally charged with assault. In a press release, the Tonawanda Police confirmed Robinson died from her injuries on April 15. The Erie County District Attorney's Office is considering filing additional charges. Here is a statement sent to WBEN from a spokesperson with the District Attorney's office:
“At this time, the defendant remains charged with one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class B” violent felony). He was held without bail pending the results of a forensic examination. A return court date has been scheduled for Monday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m. before Tonawanda Town Court Justice J. Patrick Lennon. Additional charges may be filed. Due to the ongoing investigation, our office cannot comment further.”
We have also reached out to People Inc. This is the original statement provided to WBEN:
"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of a person we serve who recently sustained serious injuries following an incident with a fellow person served. We care deeply for all of those we provide for and take the health and safety of every person we serve very seriously. It is our greatest priority to provide safe and high-quality services every day. To protect the persons involved and their loved ones, People Inc. cannot comment any further while we continue to work closely and cooperate fully with authorities investigating this incident."
— People Inc.
The NYS organization investigating this incident is the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. The Assistant Director of Public Information & Digital Content told us, "We are unable to speak to active investigations and cannot accommodate an interview."
WBEN will continue to follow this story.
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