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Judge Orders Psychiatric Evaluation as Macy’s Restroom Stabbing Suspect Is Indicted

The exam will determine her fitness to stand trial, potentially pausing the prosecution if hospitalization is required.

Overview

  • Kerri Aherne, 43, pleaded not guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to counts including attempted murder, assault and child endangerment.
  • Prosecutors say she bought a knife inside Macy’s on Dec. 11, went to a seventh-floor restroom and stabbed a 39-year-old tourist changing her 10-month-old.
  • The victim suffered two stab wounds to the back and lacerations requiring stitches, and her baby fell from the table but was not injured.
  • The woman’s boyfriend and store security restrained Aherne until police arrested her at the scene; she remains in custody with a Feb. 11 court date.
  • Prosecutors said Aherne reported hearing voices and wanting prison over a return to a hospital, and multiple outlets report she was released from a psychiatric ward earlier that day.