NJ Woman Who Threw 5-Year-Old At Train Deemed Insane

A Burlington County woman who claimed she threw a five-year-old girl in front of a train as a human sacrifice for a loved one has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Autumn N. Matacchiera, 21, of Hainesport, had been charged with first-degree attempted murder for attempting to throw the girl in front of an NJ Transit Train in January.

During a one-hour bench trial, Judge Philip E. Haines found that Matacchiera suffers from a range of disorders, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office confirmed. He came to the conclusion based on reports from a forensic psychologist and psychiatrist, among other factors. Disorders she suffers from include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others.

Matacchiera will now be committed to a state psychiatric hospital in Ewing Township until a court rules she no longer poses a threat to herself or society. While incarcerated at Ann Klein Forensic Center, she will regularly appear in court for updates on her mental health.

Matacchiera threw the girl in front of the train in Burlington City on Jan. 27. Responding police officers jumped in front of the train and signaled for it to stop while the mother's boyfriend rescued the girl. The girl was treated for bruises and a cut on her face.

Mattacheria had never met the victim or her mother before. She was taken into custody and transported to a medical facility, where she underwent a psychiatric evaluation.

Mataccheria, who has a long history of mental illness, said she went into autopilot and wasn't thinking clearly at the time of the incident. Her claims are supported by doctors who evaluated her. She claimed to have tried to sacrifice the girl to prove her love for her grandmother.

She said afterward, she realized what she did wrong and expressed regret. While awaiting trial, she staged an unsuccessful hunger strike in an attempt to kill herself.

The attached image of Autumn N. Matacchiera was previously provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office