GoFundMe launched for infant daughter of Morris County woman killed in Times Square stabbing
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A GoFundMe has been established to support the infant daughter of a 32-year-old Morris County woman who was killed in a stabbing in Times Square on Monday, the same day she returned to work following maternity leave.
Erin Piacenti, 32, of Chester, was killed in what her family described in the fundraiser as a random, unprovoked attack. Piacenti and her husband, Frank, had welcomed their first child, Madison, five months earlier.
According to the fundraiser, becoming a mother was Piacenti’s lifelong ambition, and Madison brought her the greatest joy. The fundraiser was organized by Frank’s brother-in-law, Shray, in consultation with Frank and Piacenti’s family, with all money raised going directly to Frank to support Madison and her future.
Piacenti graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied political science and sang in an a cappella group. She began her career as a buyer at Bloomingdale’s before graduating magna cum laude from Fordham University School of Law. She later worked at Davis Polk for several years and became a vice president at Bank of America, according to the fundraiser.
Piacenti and her husband celebrated their second wedding anniversary this summer and had recently returned from a family road trip.
The fatal stabbing occurred at about 4:24 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, according to the New York City Police Department.
Officers responding to 911 calls reporting a disorderly person encountered a 49-year-old woman displaying two large knives and advancing toward them, police said. Officers fired their weapons, striking the woman.
Police identified the woman as Pamela Cisneros of Queens. She was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where she was pronounced dead.
During the investigation, officers learned that Piacenti and a 68-year-old man had sustained stab wounds, according to the NYPD. Both were transported to Bellevue, where Piacenti was pronounced dead. The man was listed in stable condition.
Two knives were recovered at the scene, police said. The officers involved in the shooting were also taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The NYPD Force Investigation Division is investigating the police shooting.
The GoFundMe was created to provide financial support for Madison as she grows up and to give family members, friends, colleagues and others moved by Piacenti’s death a way to support her daughter.
Those who would like to donate can visit the GoFundMe established to support Madison and her future.
