32-year-old Erin Piacenti among two victims; NYPD describes attack as random and unprovoked
Sadia J. Choudhury :
A 32-year-old woman was fatally stabbed Monday afternoon in the heart of Times Square, in an attack that also left another person injured and ended with police fatally shooting the suspected assailant.
The victim was identified as Erin Piacenti, a resident of Chester, New Jersey, and a vice president at Bank of America. She was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries.
According to police, a 68-year-old man was stabbed in the abdomen shortly before Piacenti was attacked. The two incidents occurred within seconds of each other near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue. The male victim was hospitalized and was later reported to be in stable condition.
Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens. Investigators said she was carrying two large knives and attacked the victims without apparent provocation.
Officers located Cisneros nearby and repeatedly ordered her to drop the weapons. Police said she ignored the commands and advanced toward officers while holding a knife. Officers first attempted to stop her with a Taser, but when that failed, two officers opened fire. Cisneros was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a random and unprovoked attack. Investigators have found no indication of a terrorism connection. Police also said Cisneros had a documented history involving mental-health concerns.
Piacenti worked in Bank of America’s Business Selection and Conflicts unit. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief among colleagues, friends and family.
The NYPD is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and the subsequent police-involved shooting. Investigators are also reviewing available surveillance and body-camera footage as they work to establish the full sequence of events.
