Macy’s Stabbing Suspect Released from Psychiatric Ward Hours Before Attack, Citing Voices in Her Head
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A chilling attack unfolded inside the iconic Macy’s Herald Square on Thursday when a homeless woman stabbed a mother multiple times in the store’s bathroom during the bustling holiday shopping rush. The suspect, Kerri Aherne, 43, who was released from a psychiatric hospital earlier that day, told police that voices in her head compelled her to kill someone or face death herself.
Aherne allegedly attacked a California woman, identified only as an employee of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, while the victim was changing her baby in the bathroom. The victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where she was treated and discharged the following day. Authorities charged Aherne with attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. She remains held without bail.
According to court records, Aherne has a documented history of serious mental illness and was discharged from the Manhattan Psychiatric Center the morning of the stabbing after a yearlong stay. Prosecutors revealed in a criminal complaint that she left Massachusetts in an Uber in summer 2024 while on a temporary leave from a hospital. Aherne expressed to police that she could no longer tolerate hospital stays and would prefer prison over returning to psychiatric care.
In a disturbing confession, Aherne admitted to purchasing the knife used in the attack at Macy’s and actively seeking someone to kill, driven by auditory hallucinations commanding her to act. She reportedly said, “voices in her head told her she had to kill someone, or she would be killed.”
Her mental health struggles date back several years. In 2019, Aherne was legally declared incapacitated, and her mother and sister were appointed as her guardians. She was placed on a court-ordered treatment plan requiring her to take Prolixin, an antipsychotic medication commonly prescribed for schizophrenia. Despite this, her condition evidently deteriorated.
The incident has raised questions about the intersection of mental health care and public safety. The National Institute of Mental Health emphasizes the importance of continuous treatment and support for individuals with severe psychiatric disorders to prevent such tragedies.
New York City authorities are reviewing the circumstances around Aherne’s release from the psychiatric center. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene oversees mental health services in the city, and officials have noted the challenges in balancing patient rights with community safety.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family and the public grapple with the trauma of an unprovoked attack in a place usually associated with holiday cheer. Macy’s, a landmark retail destination, has not commented extensively but expressed sympathy for the victim.
This case highlights ongoing debates about mental health resources for homeless individuals and the adequacy of current systems to prevent violence. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continues to advocate for expanded access to psychiatric care and community-based interventions.
As Aherne awaits trial, the city confronts the difficult realities of mental illness intersecting with public safety in crowded urban spaces. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies nationwide.
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