The family of Pamela Cisneros, who randomly stabbed two strangers in Times Square, details her history of mental illness. Her brother, Patrick Peralta, revealed her longstanding mental health struggles, including postpartum depression and several hospitalizations. Cisneros, 49, was shot dead by NYPD officers after the attack.

Decades of Mental Health Challenges

Cisneros had faced mental health issues for many years. Postpartum depression started after the birth of her second child. Her brother noted, “She went off track after that.” Her struggles included a suicide attempt on subway tracks.

Her Family’s Shock

Patrick Peralta expressed disbelief over his sister’s sudden violence. He said she had never harmed anyone before this incident. He described her as “happy-go-lucky” during childhood.

Social Media Posts

Last year, Cisneros wrote on Facebook about randomly stabbing people, linking it to “the end times.” She cited global issues such as sex slavery, drug use, and homelessness.

Family Background

Peralta and Cisneros shared the same mother but had different fathers. They grew up together in Jackson Heights. Cisneros had three daughters. Her middle child, who is autistic, lives in a group home. Her other two daughters reside in Florida with their father.

Troubled Past

Cisneros had no arrest record but had been hospitalized for mental health issues. She once jumped onto subway tracks and was saved by an onlooker. The NYPD documented her past incidents.

Treatment and Medication

Cisneros received monthly psychiatric medication injections instead of daily pills. Peralta shared concerns about her possibly missing recent doses. Her mental health appeared stable when she took the injections regularly.

“For the last six years now, she was getting injections and nothing was wrong,” Peralta said. “As long as she got the medication, she was fine … She never showed any violence towards anybody.”

The Times Square Incident

On Monday, Cisneros stabbed a 68-year-old man in Times Square. He survived, but Erin Piacenti, another victim, suffered fatal injuries. Officers shot Cisneros as she approached them with knives.

Family Feelings and Reactions

Peralta expressed sorrow over the victims’ harm and described shock upon recognizing his sister in news footage. He last saw Cisneros on their father’s birthday and noted her normal behavior then.

Employment and Final Days

Recently, Cisneros had been working for a lawyer but lived alone in Woodside, Queens. Peralta’s family feels remorse for the incident’s outcome, extending sympathies to those affected.