Woman Who Threw 5-Year-Old In Path Of Moving Train Indicted In Burlington County

A Burlington County woman police say tried to kill a 5-year-old girl by throwing her in front of an approaching train earlier this year has been indicted for attempted murder, authorities said on Thursday. Autumn N. Matacchiera, 20, of Hainesport, was indicted by a Burlington County Grand Jury on one count of first-degree attempted murder, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said.

Burlington City police responded to the area of High and Broad streets on a report of suspicious activity on Jan. 27, 2017. At that point, they say they saw Matacchiera grab a young girl who was standing on the train platform next to her mother and throw her onto the tracks as a NJ TRANSIT Light Rail train was approaching.

Officers jumped in front of the train and signaled it to stop while the mother’s boyfriend rescued the girl. The girl was treated for bruises and a cut on her face.

Matacchiera was taken into custody and transported to a medical facility, where she underwent a psychiatric evaluation. She is presently hospitalized. She didn’t know the victim or her mother, according to police.

Following the incident, Matacchiera told the Courier Post she was offering the child as a sacrifice in an attempt to win the love of an estranged relative. She didn't realize what she was doing was wrong, and now regrets the incident.

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