A 56-year-old woman has died following an attack earlier this month at a People Inc. facility in the Town of Tonawanda, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The victim, identified as Diana Robinson of Amherst, passed away on Tuesday after spending over a week in critical condition at Erie County Medical Center. Robinson sustained severe injuries in an April 1st assault, which occurred around midday inside a transport van parked outside the provider’s site on Heritage Road.
Town of Tonawanda police say the assault was carried out by another client of People Inc., a nonprofit agency that offers support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The male suspect had already been charged with first-degree assault in the days following the incident and is currently being held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center. With Robinson's death, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case for possible upgraded charges.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded while clients were returning to the facility. Robinson was found lying face-up in the rear parking lot having gone into cardiac arrest after suffering a broken neck. First responders managed to restore her pulse through CPR, although she experienced another cardiac event en route to the hospital before being resuscitated again.
In a statement to police, the suspect admitted to pulling Robinson’s hair, biting her, and slamming her head against a van window. He reportedly said he was angry but also claimed the incident was an accident.
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is conducting an investigation into the incident. People Inc., which operates facilities throughout Western New York and the Rochester area, expressed condolences to Robinson’s family and emphasized their commitment to client safety.
In a public statement, the organization said it is working closely with authorities and is unable to release further details:
“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.”
Woman Dies After Assault at People Inc. Facility in Tonawanda