Ioanna Auriemma, 51, a sculptor described by neighbors as "bohemian" and "a little hippie-ish," remained in Kings County Hospital last night in stable condition after slitting her wrists.

A police guard sat next to her bed in the emergency room. Auriemma is under arrest, and is expected to be charged with second-degree murder for holding her daughter, Angelica, underwater in the tub, police said.

But law-enforcement sources said she will not be formally charged until an autopsy is completed today. Auriemma is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. It will ultimately be up to the courts to decide if she can even stand trial, a source said.

Police said that Auriemma woke up her husband, Arthur, shortly after 5 a.m. and told him that she'd killed their daughter. Law enforcement sources said the mother called 911 and told police what happened.

The motive for the killing remained unclear.

There had been no prior domestic incidents, police said. Angelica had recently been diagnosed as autistic, although Ioanna Auriemma had been caring for the mentally impaired girl since her birth.

"Everything was OK when they went to bed on Thursday night," said a police source. "The husband is totally in shock."

Neighbors were, too.

"She is the sweetest woman and so protective of her daughter," said a neighbor, Elma Blint. "It's strange to hear about this, because I know she loves her daughter. But again, I don't know the struggles or challenges she faces indoors."

Other neighbors also could not believe that the quirky sculptor - known for her bandannas, flowing skirts and off-center ponytail - was capable of murder.

"These are normal, quiet, simple people," said Ingrid Walker. "They're sort of hippie-ish. There have never been problems."

Outside of the home, neighbors said, Ioanna Auriemma and her daughter were inseparable. "You never saw them apart," said a neighbor who didn't want to be named. "Not exactly hand in hand, but always side by side."

Another neighbor said Ioanna Auriemma was known in art circles for her wood sculptures, some featuring arrangements of boxes. He said her artwork was exhibited in SoHo, but not for a few years.

The Auriemma house at 96 Lafayette Ave. stands out from its neighbors. Where others have black wrought-iron gates, the iron in front of the Auriemma home had been painted gold.

Additional reporting by Larry Celona and Heather Gilmore.