NYC Woman Accused of Stabbing Tourist Changing Her Baby at Macy’s Faces Major Courtroom Development

A woman accused of carrying out a shocking knife attack on a mother changing her baby’s diaper inside a New York City department store has been declared fit to stand trial following a psychiatric evaluation, according to a new court development.

Kerri Aherne, 44, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday, November 4, where her defense attorney confirmed that she had been found mentally fit to proceed with the case. The decision marks a significant development after an earlier psychiatric assessment had raised questions about her ability to face trial.

Aherne is accused of stabbing a 38-year-old tourist from California inside a seventh-floor bathroom at Macy’s Herald Square on December 11, 2025. Prosecutors allege that the victim was changing her 10-month-old daughter’s diaper when Aherne approached her from behind and attacked her with a knife.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Aherne had allegedly purchased the weapon inside the store before entering the bathroom. The victim suffered two stab wounds to her back, along with cuts to her arm and hand that required stitches.

During the attack, the baby fell from the changing table onto the floor but was not injured. The mother reportedly managed to grab the knife and throw it away, while the child’s father and store security helped restrain the suspect until police arrived.

Aherne was subsequently charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault and endangering the welfare of a child. She has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

The case drew further attention after prosecutors said Aherne had been released from Manhattan Psychiatric Center on the morning of the attack, following an extended stay. They also alleged that she told investigators voices in her head had urged her to kill someone because otherwise she would be killed.

At Wednesday’s hearing, prosecutors sought to keep Aherne in custody, and the judge agreed to continue her detention. Her legal team is expected to return to court with a motion by December 21.

The latest psychiatric finding could now allow the criminal proceedings to move forward, although Aherne remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Source: DAILYMAIL