A Philadelphia woman required 70 stitches to her face after authorities say a prominent community activist attacked her with a box cutter on a SEPTA train during an argument over manners that prosecutors say began when the victim asked a man to move so she could sit down.
Background
The attack occurred the evening of July 17 at the 15th Street Station in Philadelphia, according to court documents reviewed by CrimeBytes. Rosalind Pichardo-Kent, 48, was sitting on a bench when the victim approached and asked a man standing in front of it to move so she could sit down.
Pichardo-Kent allegedly "got smart with her" about young people being rude and entitled, according to a criminal complaint cited by WCAU. The victim told investigators she tried to make light of the situation, asking Pichardo-Kent if she was okay.
The argument continued as both women boarded the train, becoming increasingly heated as they got in each other's faces. That's when authorities say Pichardo-Kent made a chilling remark before the attack.
"I got something for people like you," Pichardo-Kent allegedly said before bumping into the victim and attacking her with a box cutter, according to the complaint.
The victim told investigators she felt warm and saw blood on herself as Pichardo-Kent held the blade. She exited at the 8th-Market stop, where witnesses told her to cover her face.
The Investigation
SEPTA Transit Police responded to reports of a stabbing at approximately 9:10 p.m. Officers found the woman with stab wounds to her face and chest. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
According to charging documents, the victim required 40 stitches to the left side of her face, 30 stitches to the right side, three stitches to her upper lip, and three stitches to her upper right chest. Surgeons had to surgically reattach muscles on the left side of her face to restore movement.
Investigators located Pichardo-Kent inside a train car and arrested her. A box cutter was recovered from the scene.
Key Takeaways
- Rosalind Pichardo-Kent, 48, faces multiple charges including aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime with intent
- The dispute allegedly began over whether young people were entitled when the victim asked a man to move so she could sit down
- Police say Pichardo-Kent told the victim "I got something for people like you" before attacking her with a box cutter
- The victim required 70 total stitches across her face, lip, and chest after the attack at the 8th-Market Station
- After being jailed, Pichardo-Kent posted 10% of $25,000 bail, totaling $2,500, to secure her release
What's Next
Pichardo-Kent was arraigned and is expected to appear for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 6 in Philadelphia Municipal Court.
The suspect's background as a community activist who works with homicide victims has drawn attention to the case, though prosecutors are proceeding with standard charges as they await trial.