Mamaroneck mom charged in 2-year-old daughter's death, knife attack on police officers
MAMARONECK, Westchester County (WABC) -- A mother from Westchester County was arraigned Tuesday in connection with the death of her 2-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of two police officers.
Cynthia Arce was arrested in April after police arrived at her home in Mamaroneck and found her 2-year-old daughter Gabriella Boyd unresponsive.
Officers immediately tried to resuscitate the child, and while clearing the house, other officers located Arce in an adjacent bedroom behind a closed door.
Authorities say Arce had both her hands hidden behind her back and refused to comply with repeated police commands to show her hands. The officers say Arce then brought both hands from behind her back and above her shoulders revealing two large knives, one in each hand.
She allegedly charged at the officers, repeatedly slashing at two of them.
Police say that when Tasers failed to subdue her, a third officer shot Arce, ending the confrontation.
Officers continued their efforts to resuscitate the child until paramedics arrived. She was transported to White Plains Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Arce was treated at the hospital for several weeks and then moved to jail.
"It's very sobering for her and very sad," defense attorney Richard Portale. "We still don't know what happened yet. We have a lot of evidence to review."
Gabrilla's father Stephen Boyd, along with two officers, had tried to pick up the girl the previous day for a visit, but they were denied. During the arraignment, Stephen Boyd yelled out his frustration over elements of the case and was admonished by the judge.
"I expect decorum, OK?" the judge said. "I wouldn't expect that conduct from the defendant or her family, so I'm not going to accept it from you either."
The clearly frustrated Boyd left the courthouse.
"I got so much emotion in me," he said. "I don't want to say the wrong thing or nothing, and so guys, just bear with me."
Arce is charged with second-degree murder, two counts of attempted aggravated murder, two counts of attempted aggravated assault on a police officer, and two counts of assault.
She was remanded and ordered held without bail as her attorney prepares her case. She is due back in court on October 2.
"We've got forensic psychologists that are going to be retained," Portale said. "They have to render their opinions, then we will see where we are at that point."
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
