Nurse Sandra Shells, who was attacked last week for no apparent reason, has died from her injuries. LAC+USC Medical Center nurse Shells, 70, was attacked on January 13 while waiting at a bus stop located near the corner of Cesar E Chavez Avenue and Vignes Street in Los Angeles.
On Sunday, the hospital confirmed Shells died of her injuries and released a statement praising her for her kind nature and uplifting attitude.
"Sandra Shells will forever be remembered for her compassionate care and unmatched dedication to patients and her community throughout her 38-year career at LAC+USC.
"Sandra worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep her patients safe and healthy and will always be remembered as a 'kind, compassionate and giving nurse' with a 'helpful and thoughtful nature' who was a favorite amongst colleagues and patients.
"There will never be enough words to express our gratitude for her tremendous work and dedication."
Police identified Kerry Bell as a suspect and arrested him for striking Shells "without provocation and for no reason" which caused her to fall the ground and sustain a fractured skull.
Bell is described as a transient and before his arrest he was found sleeping near the site of the incident. He has one prior arrest in L.A. and multiple in other states, he now faces an updated charge of suspicion of murder.
Shells was also praised by L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis for her work during the pandemic.
"As a frontline essential worker, she helped save countless lives throughout the pandemic and it is a heartbreaking loss to lose a hero.
"As Chair of the Metro Board of Directors, I will continue to push for an enhanced safety plan for riders and staff so we can prevent tragic incidents like this from happening again.
"I send my condolences to her family and the entire LAC+USC Medical Center community."
After the initial assault, L.A. Metro released a statement addressing safety concerns.
"Metro is appalled upon hearing of this incident. Metro's highest concern is the safety of our customers, and along with our law enforcement partners, we have zero tolerance for crimes committed against our customers," the statement read.
It continued: "Perpetrators will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law. We urge our customers to help us keep the Metro transit system safe by reporting public safety incidents.
"Customers can use Metro's Transit Watch App, call 888-950-SAFE (7233), or text 213-788-2777. For emergencies, call 911. Working together, we can all help ensure a safer and more secure Metro system."
Newsweek has contacted the LAPD for comment.
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Gerrard Kaonga is a Newsweek U.S. News Reporter and is based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on U.S. ... Read more
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