Homicide Charges May Be Filed Following Elderly Mugging Victim's Death
SOUTH UNION TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- An elderly woman who was injured when thieves stole her purse in Fayette County has died.
The suspects could now face murder charges, and the victim's daughter says she hopes justice is served.
"It's very surreal, just trying to comprehend everything," said Kathleen Yourchik, the victim's daughter. "One hundred percent was independent; she didn't need anyone. Then, that day, and everything went downhill from there."
That day was March 22. State police say that's when Yourchik's mother, Mary, was savagely attacked and beaten.
Sisters, 20-year-old Brittney and 26-year-old Jenna Boyd, are accused in the attack. Initially charged with aggravated assault, they could now face homicide counts.
Mrs. Yourchik died Monday.
"In our hearts, we believe this all goes back to the robbery, but it has to be proven," said Kathleen.
An autopsy is pending on the beloved grandmother and great grandmother.
If a connection to the beating is found as a cause of death, the district attorney in Fayette County says additional charges will be filed.
All this pain over money that investigators say was for heroin.
"Seventy-five dollars and a drug high," said Kathleen. "If [they would have] come up and asked her for $20, she would of given it to them."
While the legal attention is focused on the two young women, Kathleen says in the end it's about her mom.
"My mother was a good person; a good, giving, and kind and loving person," she said. "She was my best friend, and we're just going to miss her."
The Boyd sisters remain in the Fayette County Jail.
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