Kerri Aherne, accused of stabbing a mother while she changed her baby at a NYC Macy’s, has a history of being in psychiatric hospitals.

A recent incident at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City has drawn significant attention after a woman allegedly attacked a mother changing her infant in the store’s restroom. The accused, Kerri Aherne, reportedly walked out of a mental health facility in Massachusetts prior to the attack and had been living in a psychiatric ward in New York until shortly before the incident. Prosecutors indicated that she has spent the majority of her adult life in mental institutions.

On Thursday afternoon, Aherne acquired a kitchen knife from the store and entered the seventh-floor public restroom, where she attacked a 39-year-old tourist from California who was changing her 10-month-old daughter. According to reports, as the victim focused on her child, she was unexpectedly stabbed in the back, prompting a rapid response of self-defense. The mother turned to confront Aherne, managing to disarm and subdue her until store security arrived. Although the child fell during the struggle, she sustained only minor injuries.

Aherne’s actions led to her arrest on multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. Assistant District Attorney Paul Barker relayed that Aherne explicitly stated her reluctance to return to a psychiatric facility during her arraignment. In a troubling aspect of the case, it is reported that Aherne had expressed a preference for prison over hospitalization, indicating her distress regarding mental health treatment.

Following the attack, the victim received medical treatment at Bellevue Hospital for her injuries and has since been discharged. Her family expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on them.

Authorities noted that Aherne had a history of mental health struggles, including a previous arrest for making threats against public figures. Following her discharge from the psychiatric center early Thursday, she engaged in behavior that led to the violent encounter at Macy’s. The New York Police Department confirmed that Aherne had no previous arrests in New York City prior to this incident.

The attack has raised concerns among shoppers regarding safety in public spaces, with some individuals expressing apprehension about using restrooms in the store. A Macy’s representative acknowledged the distressing nature of the event, emphasizing the company’s commitment to customer safety.

As Aherne faces possible imprisonment of up to 25 years for her actions, this incident underscores ongoing societal discussions surrounding mental health care and public safety, sparking calls from local officials for improved measures to protect residents and visitors in urban environments.