Woman Pleads Guilty to Fatally Shoving Beloved Broadway Vocal Coach

Lauren Pazienza, who fatally shoved 87-year-old Broadway vocal coach Barbara Gustern in New York City, has changed her plea to guilty and will be sentenced to eight years in state prison. The incident occurred in 2022 when Pazienza, reportedly intoxicated and arguing with her fiancé, randomly shoved Gustern to the ground, causing her death. In addition to prison time, Pazienza will receive five years of post-release supervision. The tragic incident shocked the theater community, as Gustern was a renowned vocal coach who had worked with notable performers.