Photo: Lower Merion Police Department
Amy Cohen, a 36-year-old doctor from Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 11 to 23 months in jail after a series of actions driven by jealousy over her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. Cohen's downward spiral began after her ex started a new relationship, leading her to stalk his new partner and her family.
In a disturbing campaign, Cohen distributed threatening fliers accusing the new girlfriend of "promoting Islamophobia" and even attempted to burn down the home of the girlfriend's 99-year-old grandmother on November 30, 2023. Fortunately, the elderly woman escaped unharmed as the fire was detected early.
Cohen was identified from surveillance footage and arrested.
Her actions were attributed to an "amphetamine-induced psychosis," according to her lawyer, exacerbated by her struggles with ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety. Cohen's medical license was suspended following her arrest, and she pleaded guilty to charges including arson and reckless endangerment. Although charges of attempted murder were dismissed after she completed treatment at a mental health facility, Judge Wendy Rothstein emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "The next step in your rehabilitation process is understanding there are consequences for your actions and accepting them."
Cohen apologized to her victims in court, acknowledging that her words could not undo the harm she caused.