Millersville, Pennsylvania — A Pennsylvania woman is facing criminal charges after authorities say a heated argument with her mother ended in a fatal fall down a staircase, leaving the 63-year-old woman critically injured and ultimately leading to her death days later.
According to the Millersville Borough Police Department, 34-year-old Elissa Blair Waltman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and simple assault in connection with the death of her mother, Eileen Flugrath.
Investigators say the incident occurred at Flugrath’s home in Millersville, a borough located about 80 miles west of Philadelphia.
Police Found Victim Injured at Bottom of Staircase
Authorities said officers responded to the residence on the morning of April 5 after receiving a call for assistance.
When police arrived, they reportedly found Flugrath injured and bleeding at the bottom of a staircase inside the home. During their investigation, officers also noticed what they described as an indentation in the wall near the top of the stairs.
According to police, an eyewitness told investigators the damage had not been there before the incident. The discovery became a key piece of evidence as authorities worked to determine exactly what happened inside the home.
Daughter Initially Denied Physical Contact
Investigators said Waltman initially told officers that she and her mother had been arguing before Flugrath allegedly backed up and fell down the stairs on her own.
According to court documents, Waltman reportedly claimed she had only been yelling during the argument and denied physically touching her mother.
However, police say her account later changed as investigators continued questioning her. Authorities allege Waltman eventually admitted to pushing her mother during the confrontation.
According to police, she acknowledged that the push caused Flugrath to strike the wall before falling down the staircase.
Witness Described Chaotic Scene
A resident who lived on the lower level of the building told investigators they heard a loud crash before discovering Flugrath lying face down at the bottom of the stairs.
The witness reportedly told police that Waltman was standing near the top of the staircase and was cursing immediately after the incident.
According to investigators, the witness also recalled Waltman insisting that she had not touched her mother. Police say those statements conflicted with later admissions made during the investigation.
The witness account, combined with physical evidence at the scene, helped authorities piece together the events that allegedly led to the fatal fall.
Victim Died Days After Incident
Emergency responders transported Flugrath to a nearby hospital following the incident. Despite receiving medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries four days later.
After her death, investigators formally accused Waltman of pushing her mother into a wall and causing the fall that resulted in fatal injuries.
Authorities subsequently arrested the 34-year-old woman and charged her in connection with the case.
Court Proceedings Moving Forward
Waltman was arraigned Thursday, where a judge denied bail.
She is currently being held at Lancaster County Prison while awaiting further court proceedings. According to court records, her preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23.
As the legal process continues, prosecutors will seek to determine whether the evidence supports the charges filed against her, while the defense will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations in court.
The case has drawn attention across the community due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the death and the family relationship between the victim and the accused.
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