A Halifax woman, free on bail from a prior assault charge, faces attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a six-year-old boy in a downtown Halifax attack.
Elliott Chorny, 19, appeared in Halifax provincial court on Monday, speaking softly and staring at the floor as she was ordered held in custody until her next hearing on March 13.
The child, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was walking with his parents near Scotia Square Mall on Barrington Street around 1:20 pm AT on February 23 when he suffered multiple life-threatening stab wounds.
One parent helped restrain Chorny until police arrived, while the other aided the bleeding boy, said Halifax Regional Police (HRP).
The child remains hospitalized at IWK Health Centre.
Chorny, arrested minutes after the attack, is also charged with weapon possession.
HRP confirmed no prior connection between Chorny and the victim, ruling out hate as a motive.
“It’s an extremely tragic incident,” said Constable Martin Cromwell, adding the investigation into possible “triggers” is ongoing.
Court records show Chorny was already scheduled for a March 12 arraignment over a January 27 assault charge.
A Nova Scotia Health spokesperson linked her to a separate alleged incident last month at QEII hospital, though details remain sealed.
Chorny’s mother, Andrea Hancock, said in a social media post that her daughter is “severely unwell” and untreated despite years of efforts to secure mental health care.
Hancock said Chorny had been homeless.
“I kept telling everyone that she was a danger if she isn't on medication,” said Hancock.
“I said I'm scared that something will happen to someone if she loses touch completely.”
Premier Tim Houston called the stabbing “senseless.”
Chorny’s cases remain before the courts.
