Minnesota grandmother dies after altercation with daughter

Submit

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A Minnesota grandmother of seven was found dead days after she was allegedly shoved down stairs and whacked with an unopened can of pasta sauce by her own daughter.

Sheila Wobbeking, 78, died a week after her 49-year-old daughter Nicole Wobbeking was already in custody on felony and misdemeanor assault charges stemming from the June 27 incident, Maple Grove police said in a news release.

But following an autopsy, Sheila Wobbeking’s July 5 death was pinned on the attack, authorities said.

Prosecutors are considering other charges following her death, police said.

The violent confrontation began when Sheila Wobbeking came over to Nicole Wobbeking’s home, which was owned by her mother, according to a criminal complaint obtained by McClatchy News.

Sheila Wobbeking wanted to talk to her daughter about unpaid rent, but Nicole Wobbeking instead allegedly slapped her in the face before pushing her down several stairs, the complaint states.

She then hit her mother in her ribs and hips with an unopened pasta sauce can, the complaint alleges.

After the attack, the elder Wobbeking told police she had rib pain and a broken ankle, authorities said.

Nicole Wobbeking was arrested on June 29 — about a week before cops went to Sheila Wobbeking’s Plymouth residence for a “medical emergency.”

“Officers attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful,” Maple Grove police said, adding, “The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later determined in a post-mortem exam the manner of death was a homicide related to the physical altercation on June 27.”

The medical examiner’s office determined she died from pulmonary thromboemoboli — the result of a broken bone from the attack, KTSP reported.

Sheila Wobbeking was remembered as a “beautiful soul” and caring grandmother, according to her obituary, which stated she had two other children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“Shelly was a beautiful soul who will always be remembered for her dry wit, unconditional love and unwavering support to her family and friends. She was so giving to others, even to those she didn’t know as she was an active volunteer for her community and church.”