Stabbing Incident in Providence Involves Suspect With Criminal Past

A man with a significant history of criminal behavior is accused of stabbing a mother and her young daughter on Wednesday in Providence, Rhode Island.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 46-year-old Nelson Blanco, who allegedly attacked the woman and her child, whom he did not know, while they were waiting at a street corner for the woman’s other children to exit school.

Witnesses reported that Blanco yelled at the mother, and as she attempted to distance herself, he proceeded to stab both her and the toddler. Unfortunately, the little girl is currently “fighting for her life” in critical condition at a hospital, whereas her mother has since been released, police have communicated.

Believed to be homeless, Blanco fled the scene when nearby residents tried to assist the victims. He reportedly broke into a nearby home and concealed himself until the police found and arrested him.

Blanco’s prior charges include assault, battery, breaking and entering, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Notably, in 2003, he stabbed two seven-year-old boys in Providence. Records indicate he spent several years at Eleanor Slater Hospital for mental health evaluations, but due to state laws, he was ultimately released, as noted by his former public defender.

According to Rhode Island law, hospitalization for treatment focused on competency restoration is permitted, with regular court reviews. However, criminal charges must be dismissed once a person’s commitment reaches two-thirds of the maximum prison term for the most serious offense.

In 2024, Blanco was arrested for a domestic violence incident, and once again, he was found incompetent to stand trial. A judge allowed him outpatient treatment after a doctor concluded he was “not a danger to the community or himself.”

The victims from the 2003 stabbing recounted to WPRI this week how the trauma affected their lives permanently. One victim recognized Blanco’s face connected to the recent stabbing incident before even knowing his name, indicating the lasting impact of past events.

Onlookers reported that one witness did not hesitate to assist the victims. Jessie Palmer, a nursing assistant, recounted, “I helped the baby out of the carriage. When I noticed she was bleeding, I laid her down and applied pressure. Another woman helped me as the baby stopped breathing, and we performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.”

Blanco is facing multiple charges, including two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and breaking and entering. Regarding his actions, Palmer expressed, “That man’s evil, and what he did was wrong; even jail doesn’t seem like enough punishment for him.”