California tourist stabbed while changing baby at Macy’s Herald Square; homeless woman charged with attempted murder
Lede: A California tourist and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee was stabbed multiple times while changing her 10‑month‑old’s diaper in a Macy’s Herald Square restroom Thursday afternoon. A 43‑year‑old homeless woman has been arrested on attempted murder charges.
- Attack occurred on the 7th‑floor women’s restroom at Macy’s Herald Square around 3 p.m.; victim was transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
- The suspect, identified as Kerri Aherne, 43, was arrested at the scene and faces attempted murder, assault, weapons and child‑endangerment charges.
- The victim’s husband, also an LASD employee, and bystanders subdued and disarmed the attacker, likely preventing further harm to mother and infant.
Timeline and immediate details
Police say the assault occurred just before 3 p.m. on Thursday on the seventh floor of Macy’s Herald Square — one of New York City’s busiest stores during the holiday shopping season. The victim, a woman in her late 30s from Jurupa Valley visiting with family and employed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was changing her 10‑month‑old child in a women’s restroom when she was stabbed from behind.
Bystanders, surveillance footage and store witnesses were referenced by police; the husband intervened, disarmed and detained the attacker until NYPD arrived. The quick intervention by the husband and others appears to have prevented further harm to the mother and child.
Sources reporting the timeline and on‑scene reporting include 6ABC/WPVI and KTVU.
Suspect identification and charges
NYPD identified the suspect as Kerri Aherne, 43, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, who was described by police as homeless and was arrested at the scene. She faces a slate of charges including attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Police characterized the attack as “seemingly unprovoked,” stating there was no known prior contact between the suspect and the victim.
Aherne was expected to appear in Manhattan court the following Friday and the NYPD is leading the criminal investigation.
Law enforcement and official responses
NYPD confirmed the suspect’s identity and charges and described the assault as unprovoked. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed both the victim and her husband are LASD employees assigned to the Jurupa Valley area and said NYPD notified them of the incident; LASD officials deferred further details to NYPD, which is handling the criminal case.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident,” a Macy’s spokesperson said, emphasizing that customer and employee safety is a top priority and that the company will cooperate with local authorities.
Victim, family and condition
The victim, reported to be in her late 30s and visiting from Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, suffered multiple stab wounds to the back and a cut to the left arm. She was transported to Bellevue Hospital and listed in stable condition. Her 10‑month‑old child was present during the attack but was not injured.
Authorities have withheld the family’s names; reporting highlighted the husband’s decisive role in subduing the attacker and protecting the infant.
Open questions and context
Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive. Law enforcement described the assault as unprovoked with no prior contact between suspect and victim. Because the infant was present, prosecutors added an endangering‑the‑welfare charge to the case. Many details remain under investigation and will be clarified through NYPD releases and court filings.
Implications for Paso Robles and local communities
Safety and travel: Even in heavily trafficked tourist spaces, violent incidents can occur quickly. Families traveling from Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County are advised to maintain awareness, keep children within sight, know where help desks or security are located, and carry emergency contact information.
Law enforcement community: The fact that both the victim and her husband are LASD employees highlights risks officers and their families can face off duty and the potential life‑saving impact of training and decisive action.
Policy and public debate: The suspect’s status as homeless was noted in reports; this fact may prompt discussion locally about homelessness policy, mental health services and public safety in large cities.
Local business and tourism: Businesses that rely on visitor confidence may review safety practices, staff emergency training and coordination with law enforcement to reassure travelers and residents.
Practical tips for parents: Keep essentials close, avoid leaving infants unattended, have emergency numbers and hotel contact info readily accessible on your phone, and move to staffed areas if you feel unsafe.
Sources and further reading
- 6ABC/WPVI: Macy’s Herald Square stabbing coverage
- KTVU: California tourist stabbed at Macy’s in New York City
- CBS Austin/National News Desk: Coverage of the Macy’s incident and charges
- ABC7/Chicago: Macy’s statement referenced
For readers who want updates: follow NYPD law‑enforcement releases, Manhattan court dockets and the cited news outlets for arraignment coverage, newly released motive or evidence, and official case developments.
