PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A 46-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges after a mother and her 2-year-old daughter were stabbed in broad daylight on a South Providence street Wednesday afternoon, in an attack police say happened as the victims waited for a bus.
TL;DR: Nelson Blanco, 46, was charged with assault with intent to commit murder and related offenses after the Oct. 7 stabbing of a woman and her toddler daughter on Broad Street near Public Street in Providence. The 2-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition; the mother suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Blanco was scheduled for arraignment Thursday morning.
What happened on Broad Street
Providence police said the stabbing took place just before 2 p.m. Wednesday on a section of Broad Street near Public Street in South Providence. According to police Capt. David Lapatin, investigators believe the mother and child were waiting for a bus when the attack occurred.
Responding officers found both victims wounded. The toddler was rushed to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. Her mother was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening and remained at the hospital with her daughter, the Providence Journal reported.
Police have not publicly described a motive for the attack or any prior relationship between the suspect and the victims.
The suspect and the charges
Police identified the suspect as Nelson Blanco, 46, and announced he would be arraigned at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. According to the Providence Police Department’s news release, Blanco faces a slate of serious charges:
- Assault with intent to commit murder involving an adult female victim
- Assault with intent to commit murder involving a 2-year-old child
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Breaking and entering into a dwelling occupied by a person over 60
- Possession of a knife during the commission of a crime of violence
- Possession of a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches
The inclusion of a breaking-and-entering charge involving a person over 60 suggests investigators believe the incident may have involved more than the street attack alone, though police had not released additional details as of Wednesday evening.
Police response and what comes next
Providence police said more details on the arrest would be released at a news conference Thursday morning at the Public Safety Complex. The investigation remained active Wednesday night.
As with all criminal cases, Blanco is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The charges announced are accusations; prosecutors will need to present their case before a judge and jury.
Sources: The Providence Journal; Providence Police Department news release.
Featured photo: Providence, Rhode Island. (Image via readwrite.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the suspect in the Providence bus stop stabbing?
Providence police identified the suspect as Nelson Blanco, 46. He faces attempted murder charges and was scheduled for arraignment on the morning of Oct. 8.
What happened in the Providence stabbing on Oct. 7?
Police say a mother and her 2-year-old daughter were stabbed just before 2 p.m. on Broad Street near Public Street in South Providence. Investigators believe the pair were waiting for a bus when the attack happened.
What is the condition of the 2-year-old victim?
The toddler was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Her mother was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and stayed at the hospital with her daughter.
What charges does Nelson Blanco face?
Blanco faces two counts of assault with intent to commit murder (one involving the adult woman, one involving the child), assault with a deadly weapon, breaking and entering into a dwelling occupied by a person over 60, and two knife-possession charges.
Where exactly did the stabbing occur?
The attack happened on Broad Street near Public Street in the South Providence neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island.
Has a motive been released?
No. As of Wednesday evening, police had not publicly described a motive or any known relationship between the suspect and the victims. A news conference was scheduled for Thursday morning.
Is the suspect in custody?
Yes. Police announced the charges and said Blanco would be arraigned Thursday morning, Oct. 8. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
