Woman, 78, dies days after daughter allegedly pushed her down the stairs and beat her with can of sauce

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (TCD) — A 49-year-old woman stands accused of fatally assaulting her 78-year-old mother during a confrontation at her home.

According to a news release from the Maple Grove Police Department, on Tuesday, June 27, at around 3:10 p.m., officers responded to the 11900 block of 71st Avenue to a report of domestic abuse and met with a 78-year-old female victim.

The victim, identified by KSTP-TV as Sheila Wobbeking, rented out a home to her daughter, Nicole Wobbeking. The mother allegedly went to the residence to confront her daughter about unpaid rent and problems with some of the neighbors.

Nicole Wobbeking initially didn’t answer, but eventually, Sheila Wobbeking went into the home and her daughter reportedly started yelling derogatory remarks, pushed her down the stairs, and hit her in the ribs and hips with a can of pasta sauce.

According to police, the victim was able to exit the home and call for help. Officers and medics transported her to a local hospital, and she was later released.

Two days later, police said officers arrested Nicole Wobbeking on probable cause charges related to misdemeanor fifth-degree domestic assault, and she was released the next day.

Police learned the victim suffered a broken bone from the assault and booked Nicole Wobbeking into Hennepin County Jail on an upgraded charge of felony third-degree assault on June 30.

On July 5, police were called to Sheila Wobbeking’s home again after she reportedly suffered a medical emergency caused by a pulmonary thromboembolism from the broken bone. Officers attempted lifesaving measures, but she died from her injuries.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled the woman’s death a homicide.

According to police, the new information has been submitted to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, and homicide charges are possible. Nicole Wobbeking remains held in the Hennepin County Jail.

MORE: