Elissa Blair Waltman, 34, of the 300 block of Laurel Street, Lancaster, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and simple assault in connection with the death of Eileen Flugrath, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident happened at Flugrath’s residence in the 100 block of Pickwick Place in Millersville Borough on Saturday, April 5, authorities said.
Police were called to the home shortly after 10:30 a.m. and found Flugrath injured and bleeding at the bottom of a staircase. Officers rendered aid until she was transported to a hospital.
Investigators say Waltman pushed Flugrath into a wall at the top of the stairs during an argument, causing her to fall down the staircase. Flugrath died from her injuries four days later.
An autopsy determined Flugrath died of traumatic head and neck injuries sustained in the fall, and her death was ruled a homicide, according to the DA’s office.
When first interviewed by police, Waltman allegedly claimed Flugrath backed up and fell down the stairs on her own and denied ever touching her mother. Investigators said she later admitted to pushing Flugrath, causing her to strike the wall and fall down the staircase.
Police also documented an indentation in the wall at the top of the stairs that an eyewitness told officers had not been there before the incident.
A resident living on the building’s lower floor told police they heard a crash and then found Flugrath face-down at the bottom of the stairs. The witness said Waltman was standing at the top of the staircase, cursing and immediately claiming she had not touched Flugrath.
Judge Joshua Keller denied bail during Waltman’s preliminary arraignment on Thursday morning. She remains held in Lancaster County Prison.
The charges were filed by Millersville Borough Police Lt. Jason Scott. Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman will prosecute the case.
Details about Flugrath’s life were not immediately available. Her loved ones are invited to share information with Daily Voice by emailing [email protected].
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