Prosecutors have indicted 43-year-old Kerri Aherne on multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder, after she allegedly stabbed a 39-year-old tourist who was changing her 10-month-old’s diaper in a Macy’s restroom on Dec. 11, 2025. Authorities say Aherne had been discharged from a year-long psychiatric hospitalization earlier that day, allegedly bought a knife and attacked from behind; the victim was hospitalized with stab wounds and cuts. Aherne pleaded not guilty on Jan. 7 and is due back in court on Feb. 11.
Indicted After Macy’s Restroom Stabbing: Tourist Injured While Changing Infant’s Diaper
kena betancur / AFP via GettyMacy's Herald Square store in New York City.
A New Hampshire woman has been indicted on multiple felony charges after prosecutors say she stabbed a tourist who was changing her baby’s diaper inside a Macy’s flagship store restroom in Manhattan during the busy holiday season.
Charges and court appearance. According to a Manhattan District Attorney’s Office press release dated Jan. 7, 43-year-old Kerri Aherne was indicted in New York State Supreme Court on one count each of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Aherne pleaded not guilty at her Jan. 7 arraignment and is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 11.
What prosecutors allege. Prosecutors say the attack occurred on Dec. 11, 2025, on the seventh floor restroom of Macy’s on 34th Street in Herald Square. According to the indictment cited by the DA, Aherne had been discharged from a year-long stay at a Manhattan psychiatric facility earlier that morning, subsequently entered the store, allegedly purchased a knife and approached the 39-year-old victim from behind while she was changing her 10-month-old’s diaper.
The DA’s office described the assault as unprovoked. The victim allegedly sustained two stab wounds to her back and cuts to her arm and hand that required stitches; she was taken to a hospital for treatment. During the struggle, prosecutors say the victim was able to grab the weapon and throw it to the other end of the bathroom and the infant briefly fell from the changing table onto the floor.
ANGELA WEISS / AFP via GettyMacy's Herald Square in New York City.
How the incident ended. Store security personnel and the victim’s boyfriend restrained Aherne until police arrived and arrested her at the scene. Prosecutors identified Aherne as a resident of Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Multiple local outlets reported the injured woman was visiting from California; her name has not been released by authorities.
“The thousands of families that visit Manhattan during the holiday season deserve to be safe while shopping and celebrating with their loved ones,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said in the press release. “This tourist was attacked inside one of the city’s largest and most frequented department stores, posing public safety implications for employees, visitors, and New Yorkers alike. I wish the victim a swift recovery.”
Defense response and mental health context. Aherne’s defense attorney, Kevin Sylvan, told reporters he is gathering medical records and consulting with treating professionals before commenting further. The prosecution’s account notes Aherne had been discharged earlier that day from psychiatric care; mental-health issues are part of the case record but have not been adjudicated in court.
Resources. Authorities reminded the public that crisis resources are available: text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.
The case will proceed in New York State Supreme Court as the defendant awaits the next scheduled appearance on Feb. 11.
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