Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire – A tragic incident unfolded at a bank in 2021 as an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s was fatally shoved by a younger customer. The aftermath of this encounter led to a court case resulting in a manslaughter conviction for the 26-year-old assailant, Courtney Richman.
Richman’s actions caused the death of 82-year-old Myra Coutinho-Lopez, who had dementia and was at the bank to withdraw money. The court heard how confusion ensued when she was presented with her bank statements at the counter, prompting staff and other customers, including Richman, to form a queue. Tensions escalated between the two women, leading to a physical altercation.
Subsequent to being pushed by Richman, Coutinho-Lopez fell and suffered injuries that eventually claimed her life after ten days in the hospital. Richman, who was arrested the following day, received a suspended prison sentence of 16 months for her role in the tragic incident.
The victim’s daughter, Michelle Lopez, expressed the profound impact of losing her mother, highlighting the void left in their lives and the pain of missing mundane activities shared with a mother figure. The family continues to mourn their loss while acknowledging the guilty verdict handed down in court.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the community reflects on the importance of empathy and understanding in all interactions, underscoring the need for patience and compassion towards vulnerable individuals. As the legal system addresses the consequences of this incident, the memory of Myra Coutinho-Lopez serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibility we all bear to treat others with dignity and respect.