Yoselyn Ortega who stabbed brother and sister, Lucia and Leo Krim, had allegedly become unstable in recent weeks, and was attending a psychologist. A former neighbour told the media that Ortega had told her she “felt like she was losing her mind.”

The children’s mother arrived home on Thursday evening with her three year old daughter Nessie, to find her six year old daughter and two year old son in the bath, both dead with stab wounds. When Ortega saw Mrs Krim she began to stab herself repeatedly. Neighbours heard the screams from Mrs Krim, and tell how she clung to her remaining daughter. Ortega is still in a critical condition in hospital.

The children’s father, Kevin Krim, a CNBC television executive was away on business when the tragedy occurred.

Neighbours in the Krim’s luxury Manhattan apartment block say Ortega had always greeted them, and had appeared happy, however in recent weeks was more quiet and aloof. It is believe Ortega had financial problems, but was seeking professional help.