Amber Lohr, a 36-year-old mother of five from western Pennsylvania, was stabbed in the chest by 61-year-old Cyril Destin, a man with 14 previous arrests, while she was chaperoning a group of school girls on a class trip near Times Square in New York City. Despite her severe injuries, Amber remained composed and focused on protecting her students before seeking help. Her husband, John Lohr, praised her bravery and called her a hero for prioritizing the safety of the children she was guiding.
John Lohr expressed concerns about the safety of his family and stated that they do not plan to visit New York City again due to the traumatic experience. He described his wife’s attacker as a danger to society and emphasized the need for him to face serious consequences for his actions. Destin, who was arrested at the scene while still holding the knife, has a lengthy criminal record dating back two decades, which includes charges related to menacing, theft, and trespassing. He also has a history of erratic and destructive behavior, as well as hallucinations.
Amber Lohr was treated on the sidewalk before being taken to Bellevue Hospital for her stab wounds. She maintained her composure throughout the ordeal and ensured the safety of the students she was chaperoning. John Lohr expressed gratitude towards the bystander who helped his wife and praised the young girls for their composure and assistance in a frightening situation. The family is grateful that the attack did not result in a tragic outcome and is determined to see justice served against Destin.
Destin has been charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The Lohrs are calling for a maximum sentence for Destin, emphasizing the need for him to be institutionalized permanently due to the threat he poses to society. John Lohr expressed his disbelief at the potential outcome of the attack, mentioning that he could have been mourning his wife on Mother’s Day instead of celebrating her resilience. The family is adamant that Destin should face the consequences of his actions to prevent future incidents of violence.
The attack has left a lasting impact on the Lohr family, with John Lohr expressing his disillusionment with the criminal justice system and the need for stricter penalties for violent offenders. He highlighted the potential danger posed by individuals like Destin and stressed the importance of keeping such individuals off the streets to protect innocent civilians. The family’s decision to avoid visiting New York City again reflects their deep-seated concerns about safety and security in light of the traumatic incident. Their focus remains on supporting Amber in her recovery and advocating for justice to be served.
