A 2-year-old girl is currently “fighting for her life” after being stabbed alongside her mother by a man who had previously been arrested for domestic violence, as well as for stabbing two other children, according to police reports.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Nelson Blanco, was taken into custody in Providence, Rhode Island, for the alleged daylight attack on the pair Wednesday.
Both the mother and daughter were quickly taken to the hospital with stab wounds on their faces and bodies. While the mother has since been released, her daughter is reported to be in critical condition, as stated by the Providence Police Department on Friday.
This isn’t the first time Blanco has faced accusations related to violence against children. Back in 2003, he was charged with stabbing two 7-year-old boys who were playing in a parking lot; however, he was later deemed incompetent to stand trial for that incident, according to reports.
Blanco, who reportedly appears to be homeless, did not know the victims before approaching them as they waited at a school bus stop. Police Chief Oscar Perez mentioned that he began hurling insults at the mother. When she attempted to escape by crossing the street, he allegedly attacked her and her child.
After being confronted by bystanders, Blanco fled the scene and entered an elderly woman’s home where he hid in the basement, as detailed by the police chief. He is currently facing several charges, including two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and breaking and entering.
Blanco’s lengthy criminal history spans nearly 30 years and includes various charges such as assault, battery, breaking and entering, and possessing a stolen vehicle, based on court records.
He was arrested for domestic violence in 2024 and subsequently released in 2025 into the custody of state health and human services. Records indicate that he was also deemed incompetent to stand trial for a stolen vehicle charge in 2018, with reports suggesting he has an Intellectual Disability Disorder and Schizophrenia.
When questioned about how Blanco was able to remain on the streets, Chief Perez stated, “I don’t think the system is broken,” but highlighted that law enforcement’s role is to present the facts to the judicial system for appropriate action.
