Key Takeaways:
- A 43-year-old woman, Kerri Aherne, was arrested and charged with attempted murder for stabbing a tourist from California in a Macy’s bathroom.
- The victim, a 38-year-old mother, was changing her 10-month-old daughter’s diaper when the attack occurred.
- Aherne had a history of mental health issues and was discharged from a psychiatric ward on the morning of the attack.
- The suspect had previously been arrested in 2018 for threatening to kill Senator Elizabeth Warren on Facebook.
- Aherne faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, just before 3 p.m., at the flagship Macy’s store in Midtown, Manhattan. A 38-year-old tourist from California was changing her 10-month-old daughter’s diaper in the bathroom on the 7th floor when she was suddenly attacked by Kerri Aherne, a 43-year-old woman. The victim was stabbed in the back and slashed in the arm, but fortunately, her baby was not injured. The victim’s partner, who works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, helped subdue Aherne, along with the baby’s father, until store security arrived.
The Suspect’s Background
Kerri Aherne has a history of mental health issues and was discharged from a Manhattan psychiatric ward on the morning of the attack, where she had been a patient for over a year. According to prosecutors, Aherne told authorities that voices in her head told her to kill someone or she would be killed, which led her to purchase a knife from Macy’s and carry out the attack. Aherne’s past is also marked by a previous arrest in 2018 in Massachusetts for posting a threat on Facebook to kill Senator Elizabeth Warren. In 2024, she left a hospital in Massachusetts while on temporary leave and allegedly stated that she could not tolerate hospitals any longer and would rather be in prison.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The victim, who was visiting from California, was taken to the hospital and is reportedly in stable condition. Her partner told Eyewitness News that she is resting and getting better. Aherne, on the other hand, was ordered to be held without bail after appearing in court on Friday night. She is charged with attempted murder and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Aherne’s next court date is scheduled for December 17. During her court appearance, she expressed her reluctance to return to a hospital, stating that she "doesn’t want to go to another hospital because they did not help me."
Response from Authorities and Macy’s
Macy’s released a statement expressing their sadness about the incident and prioritizing the safety of their customers and colleagues. The company has deferred further questions to the local authorities. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of shoppers during the holiday season, and authorities are likely to increase security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where the victim and her partner work, has not released an official statement about the incident.
Mental Health and Public Safety
The incident highlights the complex issue of mental health and public safety. Aherne’s history of mental health issues and previous threats of violence raise questions about how she was able to carry out the attack. The fact that she was discharged from a psychiatric ward on the morning of the attack and was able to purchase a knife from Macy’s suggests that there may have been a breakdown in the system. The incident underscores the need for increased support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues, as well as improved communication and coordination between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The attack on the tourist from California in a Macy’s bathroom is a disturbing incident that highlights the need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues. Kerri Aherne’s history of mental health issues and previous threats of violence raise questions about how she was able to carry out the attack. As the investigation continues, it is essential to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety of shoppers and the public must be a top priority, and it is crucial to address the complex issues of mental health and public safety to ensure that everyone can feel safe and secure in public spaces.