A Manhattan woman has been indicted for allegedly stabbing a tourist in a restroom at Macy’s Herald Square while the victim was changing her infant’s diaper. The incident, which occurred on December 10, 2025, shocked holiday shoppers in one of the city’s busiest retail spots.
Kerri Aherne, 43, appeared in court earlier this month, dressed in prison attire with her hands restrained. During the proceedings, she showed visible distress, biting her lip as Judge Ann Thompson outlined the charges against her. Prosecutors indicated that Aherne has a documented history of mental illness and had recently left the Manhattan Psychiatric Center hours before the attack.
Authorities reported that Aherne allegedly purchased a knife within the massive department store and proceeded to the seventh-floor restroom, where she ambushed a 38-year-old mother from California. As the mother tended to her baby, Aherne allegedly began stabbing her from behind without provocation.
As the assault unfolded, the mother’s 10-month-old infant fell from the changing table but fortunately suffered no injuries. The mother fought back, managing to wrest the knife from Aherne and push her further into the restroom. Aherne was restrained by store security personnel and the victim’s boyfriend until police arrived to take her into custody.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned the attack, stating that families visiting during the holiday season deserve a safe shopping experience. He described the act as “horrific and unprovoked,” emphasizing the implications for public safety in such a prominent location.
The injured mother was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she received treatment for stab wounds to her back, arms, and head.
Prosecutors disclosed that Aherne claimed voices urged her to kill someone or face her own death. Having spent years in a psychiatric facility in Massachusetts, she reportedly left the hospital during a temporary leave last summer. Comments attributed to her suggested a deep-seated frustration with hospitals, expressing a desire for incarceration over returning to treatment.
Facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault, Aherne has been ordered held without bail. She is scheduled to return to court for a hearing on February 11, as the community grapples with the disturbing nature of the attack and its aftermath.