A mother vacationing was stabbed multiple times in a store restroom while changing her 10-month-old baby’s diaper, according to authorities. The 39-year-old victim from Southern California was assaulted in Macy’s Herald Square on the seventh floor at approximately 3 pm on Thursday, as reported by the New York Police Department (NYPD). She was swiftly taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition and discharged the following day. Despite the attack, her infant daughter was unharmed by the weapon, although it is claimed that the child fell from the changing table to the floor during the incident.
The alleged perpetrator, 43-year-old Kerri Aherne from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, appeared in court on Friday following her arrest. She faces charges of attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Aherne had recently been released from Manhattan Psychiatric Center on the day of the assault after spending a year there. She reportedly stated that voices in her head compelled her to “kill someone” or face death, as per Fox News.
During the court proceedings, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Paul Barker revealed that Aherne had purchased a knife from Macy’s and was actively seeking a target under the influence of the voices in her head. Aherne is currently held without bail until her next court appearance scheduled for December 17. Despite her plea against being sent to another mental health facility, citing dissatisfaction with her previous treatment, the New York Post reported her words.
The identity of the victim has not been disclosed. It was disclosed that both she and her husband are employees of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The husband managed to disarm the attacker and restrain her until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
LASD officials issued a statement saying they were informed by the NYPD about the incident at Macy’s on December 11, 2025. They confirmed that the victim and her spouse both work for LASD, and the NYPD is leading the investigation with any further updates to be provided by them.
Macy’s spokesperson shared their condolences and emphasized customer and staff safety as a top priority. They redirected inquiries to local authorities for additional information.