A Bank of America vice-president has been identified as a victim of a stabbing in Times Square, New York City. Erin Piacenti, 32, died in the attack on Monday, August 31, which also left another person injured and brought crowds to a halt on the bustling Manhattan streets.
Victim identified as new mother
Piacenti worked as a vice-president in the business selection and conflicts unit at Bank of America, the second-largest bank in the US, according to her LinkedIn profile. The New York Post reported that she had recently become a mother and had just returned to work from maternity leave.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bank of America said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones."
Attack described as random
Days before her death, Piacenti posted a photograph of herself smiling while holding her infant and standing with her husband, writing about how happy she was and expressing gratitude for five months off to care for her new daughter.
An unnamed 68-year-old man also sustained stab wounds in the attack and was in stable condition, according to the NYPD. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the attack appeared to be random and unprovoked.
Suspect shot by police
Officers arrived to find Pamela Cisneros, 49, brandishing two large knives. She moved toward officers, who used a stun gun but could not persuade her to drop the weapons. Officers shot Cisneros, and she was later pronounced dead. Tisch said Cisneros had a documented mental health history.
