The mother of the woman who fatally stabbed a New Jersey resident in Times Square is questioning why police officers shot her daughter instead of attempting to physically restrain her.
Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens, was shot and killed by NYPD officers Sunday after police say she stabbed two people during what investigators have described as a random and unprovoked attack. One of the victims, 32-year-old Erin Piacenti of Chester, New Jersey, later died from her injuries. A 68-year-old man was also stabbed and survived.
In an interview with FOX 5 New York, Cisneros’ mother questioned the police response, asking why officers could not have grabbed her daughter by the arm. She said there were numerous officers at the scene and expressed difficulty understanding why deadly force was necessary.
Police, however, say Cisneros was holding large knives in both hands, refused repeated commands to drop them and moved toward officers. Authorities also attempted to use Tasers, but they did not stop her. Officers opened fire when she continued advancing toward them, according to accounts of the incident.
Cisneros’ family told FOX 5 that she had struggled with mental health problems in the past. Her brother said she had been taking medication and appeared stable in recent years. Police records cited by the Associated Press also show previous encounters involving mental health crises, although Cisneros had no criminal record.
Piacenti, meanwhile, was a vice president at Bank of America and a graduate of Fordham Law School. She had recently returned from maternity leave and had purchased a home in Chester with her husband. Bank of America and Fordham Law School issued statements mourning her death.
The NYPD Force Investigation Division is reviewing the police shooting, as is standard when officers use deadly force.
The case has now drawn attention not only because of the seemingly random killing in one of New York City’s busiest areas, but also because of questions surrounding mental illness, police response and the use of deadly force.
Sources: Associated Press, FOX 5 New York, New York Post, People
By NJ RADAR Team