Cops: Woodmere woman tried to set husband's home on fire

A Woodmere woman poured lighter fluid on her estranged husband's baby and throughout his Hewlett Bay Park home in a failed attempt to kill him, his fiancee and the baby because she was angry over money and custodial issues, authorities said Thursday. Esther Hershko, 49, of Andover Lane, a former Hebrew teacher, never got the chance to light a fire early Wednesday in the home of Itzhak Hershko, her estranged husband, police said. Her husband's Havanese dog went into seizures, alerting the homeowner, and a neighbor called police after seeing suspicious activity, officials said. Hershko was caught fleeing the house and her sport utility vehicle was found with matches and lighters inside, police said. Two other relatives were in the home at the time, said Det. Lt. Stephen Palmer. One was the Hershkos' son, 25, Palmer said. A cousin of the son, also 25, was also staying at the house. Palmer said it was unclear if Esther Hershko knew her son and nephew were there. The infant is a 5-month-old girl, believed to be the daughter of Itzhak Hershko and his fiancee, Dawn Ziccardi. Esther Hershko was charged with five counts of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary, second-degree attempted arson and fourth-degree possession of a dangerous weapon. She wore a hospital gown at her arraignment Thursday. Her clothes were being tested as possible evidence in the case, Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said. Her Legal Aid attorney told Judge Robert Bruno that Hershko has cancer. Hershko is being held without bail. She and her husband have been estranged for six years, said assistant district attorney Christian Kubic. Around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Hershko entered her husband's Heron Drive home through an unlocked glass door and poured charcoal lighter fluid throughout the house while the occupants slept, officials said. Hershko also doused the baby, Kubic said. Palmer said the girl was sleeping in Ziccardi and Itzhak Hershko's room. When Hershko went outside to look for a match, she was met by police sent after a neighbor called 911 because of suspicious activity, authorities said. There were no reported injuries, and police said the dog is expected to recover as well. With Carl MacGowan and Zachary R. Dowdy.