Key Takeaways:
- Kerri Aherne, 43, allegedly stabbed a tourist from California in a Macy’s bathroom while the victim was changing her 10-month-old daughter.
- Aherne was previously arrested in Massachusetts for threatening to kill Senator Elizabeth Warren and has a documented psychiatric history.
- The victim, a 38-year-old woman, was stabbed in the back and slashed in the arm, but is currently stable in the hospital.
- Aherne was ordered to be held without bail and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder.
- The incident occurred at the Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan during the holiday shopping season.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, just before 3 p.m., at the Macy’s flagship store in 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 allegedly stabbed by Kerri Aherne, 43. The victim’s partner, who works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was present and helped subdue Aherne with the assistance of store security. The baby was not injured in the incident, but did fall from the changing table to the floor. The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was said to be stable, and her partner reported that she is resting and getting better.
Aherne’s Background and Motivations
Aherne, who is believed to be homeless, has a documented psychiatric history and had been discharged from the Manhattan Psychiatric Center on the morning of the assault, where she had been for over a year. She 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 stab the mother while she was changing her baby’s diaper. Aherne had also been arrested in 2018 in Massachusetts for posting on Facebook that she wanted to kill Senator Elizabeth Warren. She had left Massachusetts in an Uber in 2024 while out of the hospital on temporary leave, allegedly stating that she could not tolerate hospitals any longer and would rather be in prison.
Arrest and Charges
Aherne was ordered to be held without bail after appearing in court on Friday night. She is charged with attempted murder in connection with the seemingly unprovoked attack and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Aherne’s next court date is scheduled for December 17. When asked by the judge why she did not want to go to another hospital, Aherne replied that it was because "they did not help me." A Macy’s spokesperson released a statement expressing sadness about the incident and stating that the safety of customers and colleagues is their top priority.
Response and Investigation
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of customers in public places, particularly during the holiday shopping season. The Manhattan district attorney’s office is investigating the incident, and Aherne’s psychiatric history and previous arrests are being taken into consideration. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where the victim and her partner work, has also been involved in the investigation. As the investigation continues, more information about Aherne’s motivations and background is likely to come to light.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident at Macy’s has left many shocked and concerned about the safety of customers in public places. Aherne’s history of psychiatric problems and previous arrests raises questions about the effectiveness of the mental health system in preventing such incidents. As Aherne awaits her next court date, the victim and her family are focusing on recovery and healing. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and providing support to those who need it. The case will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, and it is likely that more information will become available about Aherne’s background and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
