Woman Claims "Voices Commanded Her to Kill" in Shocking Confession After Macy's Bathroom Stabbing

Dec 14, 2025 01:51 pm CST

A homeless woman with a history of mental illness has confessed to stabbing a California mother in a Macy's bathroom, claiming voices in her head commanded her to kill. Kerri Aherne, detained at Rikers Island on attempted murder charges, described purchasing a knife and following instructions from auditory hallucinations that threatened her life if she didn't comply. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder but skeptical of her diagnosis, Aherne's case highlights concerning gaps in psychiatric care and supervision.