Homeless Woman Charged in Stabbing Incident at NYC Macy’s
A homeless woman from Massachusetts has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly stabbing a California woman in a Macy’s restroom in New York City. Kerri Aherne, 43, has a documented history of mental illness and was released from a psychiatric facility just hours before the unprovoked attack, bringing to light concerns regarding mental health care and public safety.
Why It Matters
This incident raises significant questions about the treatment of individuals with mental health issues and the adequacy of support systems designed to protect both individuals in crisis and the general public. The stabbing, occurring during the bustling holiday shopping season, underscores ongoing challenges related to mental health and safety in urban spaces.
Key Developments
- Kerri Aherne has been charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.
- The victim, an employee of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was hospitalized but has since been discharged.
- Aherne was released from a psychiatric hospital just hours before the incident.
- During police questioning, Aherne claimed “voices in her head” compelled her to commit the crime.
- Aherne is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on December 17.
Full Report
Incident Overview
On Thursday, Kerri Aherne allegedly attacked a woman in the bathroom of Macy’s Herald Square while the victim was changing her baby. Witnesses and police have described the attack as unprovoked. Following the incident, the victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital and subsequently released the next day.
Mental Health History
Court documents reveal that Aherne has struggled with mental illness for many years. According to the prosecution, she was discharged from Manhattan Psychiatric Center earlier that same day after spending a year in treatment, presumably for issues related to her mental health. Aherne reportedly stated that she could no longer tolerate the hospital environment, preferring imprisonment over further hospitalization.
Statements and Charges
In the aftermath of her arrest, Aherne allegedly disclosed to police that she had purchased a knife at Macy’s and actively sought someone to attack, influenced by voices instructing her to commit violence. Her criminal record includes a previous incident in 2019 where she was deemed incapacitated, leading to her mother and sister being appointed as her legal guardians.
Current Legal Status
Aherne was arraigned on Friday, with her attorney planning to seek bail in the future. When the judge ruled that she would be held without bail until her next court appearance, Aherne interrupted to express her fear of being sent back to a mental health facility, stating, “They didn’t help me at Manhattan Psychiatric Center.”
Context & Previous Events
In 2019, Aherne faced legal trouble for making threats on social media, including a post about intending to kill a U.S. Senator and plans to use a firearm against local law enforcement. Following that incident, she was placed under a court-mandated treatment plan to manage her mental health, specifically requiring adherence to a medication regimen for schizophrenia. Her social media activity has been inactive since 2018.
