Woman Killed By Police After Stabbing Her Therapist ID'd: Coroner

FULLERTON, CA — A woman who stabbed her therapist multiple times, then holed up in the Fullerton psychologist's office was identified as 46-year-old Santa Ana resident Katherine Brazeau.

Police were called just after 7:30 a.m. Thursday to the 1600 block of East Chapman Avenue regarding a woman armed with a knife, Fullerton police Sgt. Jon Radus said. Moments after the first 911 call, the victim -- identified as Jacki Stevens, a licensed clinical social worker-- reported to dispatchers that she had been stabbed. The assailant remained in the office, according to reports.

Police arrived within four minutes of the first call. As they entered the office, the suspect and victim were barricaded in Stevens's office, Radus said.

When police got into the room they confronted the suspect and an officer-involved shooting occurred, Radus said.

Brazeau still had the knife in her hand when she was shot, according to police.

Stevens suffered knife wounds to her back and was taken to a hospital to be treated for what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and police recovered the "fairly large knife" near her body, Radus said. The therapist was taken to an area hospital to be treated for "non-life-threatening injuries."

Later in the day, Stevens released a statement thanking Fullerton police for their quick and decisive action.

"Without their rapid response, I would likely not be here today,'' she said. "I would also like to thank Fullerton fire department, first responders, and hospital staff that have assisted me today. The show of support from patients and community has been overwhelming. I am recuperating with my family and loved ones, and request that our privacy be respected at this time, as well as that of my office and patients.''

Stevens's husband told FOX11 that (his wife, Jacki) is a "tough cookie" and was doing well, in good spirits.

A woman who identified herself as Brazeau's sister told KTLA that Katherine Brazeau suffered from mental illness for most of her life, stemming from an abusive and traumatic childhood.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office will investigate the shooting, standard protocol in such cases.

Fullerton Police Department Photo