The socialite charged with shoving an elderly woman to her death may be getting a plea deal.

Lauren Pazienza's attorney says the woman couldn’t possess the intent to commit the crime. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala says his client was using prescription drugs, and had imbibed up to two bottles of wine, and marijuana at the time. 

The victim, 87-year-old Broadway singing coach Barbara Maier Gustern, fell and hit her head, after being hit by Pazienza. She was conscious directly after the incident, but fell into unconsciousness and died from her injuries five days later.  

Pazienza has already turned down two plea deals from prosecutors. If convicted, Pazienza faces up to 25 years behind bars. Her next court date is July 20. 

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

• AJ Maier Gustern - Grandson of Victim
• James Shelnutt – Attorney – The Shelnutt Law Firm, P.C.; 27-year Atlanta Metro Area Major Case Detective and Former S.W.A.T. Officer; Twitter: @ShelnuttLawFirm
• Dr. Angela Arnold – Psychiatrist, Atlanta GA.; Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University; Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital; Voted My Buckhead’s Best Psychiatric Practice of 2022
• Joseph Giacalone - Former NYPD Sergeant SDS and Author: “ The Cold Case Handbook” and “The Criminal Investigative Function: A Guide for New Investigators 4th Edition;" Twitter: @JoeGiacalone
•  Dr. Michael Baden– Former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City and past Co-Director of the New York State Police Medico-Legal Investigations Unit- Author: “American Autopsy”
• Tony DeStefano – Special Writer, Newsday; Author: “The Deadly Dob: Vito Genovese” and “Mafia Boss;” Twitter: @TonyNewsDay, Instagram: @Tony.Destefano.Newsday

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