The suspect, identified as Kerri Aherne, 43, reportedly approached the 39-year-old victim around 3:15 p.m. Thursday. She allegedly stabbed the mother multiple times, also slashing her arm. According to The New York Daily News, the victim’s husband was nearby. He heard the commotion, rushed into the bathroom, and managed to restrain Aherne until police arrived at the scene. This quick thinking likely saved the victim from further harm.
EMS quickly transported the victim to Bellevue Hospital. She received treatment for her injuries and is thankfully expected to make a full recovery.
Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder
NYPD officers confirmed that this was an unprovoked attack. The two women did not know each other, and there was no prior altercation. Aherne was taken into custody and now faces serious charges, including two counts of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. The child was present during the horrifying ordeal.
In response, Macy’s issued a statement saying they were “saddened” by the incident, but did not release any further details. Many are surely looking for answers regarding safety in public spaces.
New details from The New York Post paint a more complex picture of Aherne. She is reported to be homeless and, surprisingly, has no prior arrest record. Originally from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, she apparently stopped posting on Facebook in 2018. Even more telling, court records show her mother and sister were appointed as legal guardians after she was deemed an incapacitated person. She was also court-ordered to continue taking antipsychotic medication. This information raises serious questions about mental health and the systems in place to support vulnerable individuals, even as we condemn the violence committed.
