Providence, Rhode Island — A 2-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she and her mother were allegedly stabbed in a broad-daylight attack on Wednesday, according to Providence police. The suspect, 46-year-old Nelson Blanco, had previously faced charges in a case involving the stabbing of two children, raising renewed questions about his criminal history and how he was released into the community.
The mother and daughter were rushed to the hospital with stab wounds to their bodies and faces. While the mother has since been released, the toddler remained in critical condition as of Friday, the Providence Police Department told the New York Post.
Toddler and Mother Attacked While Waiting Near School
Police said the attack happened as the mother waited for her other children to finish school, with her 2-year-old daughter in a stroller.
According to Police Chief Oscar Perez, Blanco did not know the victims before approaching them. Investigators allege that he began hurling insults at the mother.
When she attempted to cross the street to get away from him, Blanco allegedly pulled her back and attacked both her and the toddler.
The situation escalated in broad daylight, but bystanders intervened, prompting the suspect to flee, Perez said.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety, particularly because the young child was injured while accompanying her mother during an ordinary school-related outing.
Suspect Allegedly Hid in Elderly Woman’s Basement
After fleeing the scene, Blanco allegedly broke into an elderly woman’s home and hid in the basement, according to the police chief.
Authorities subsequently arrested him in connection with the attack. Blanco faces two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon, breaking and entering, and other charges, according to the reported case details.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the charges do not establish guilt.
Previous Case Involved Two 7-Year-Old Boys
The latest allegations have drawn attention to Blanco’s earlier criminal history.
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 in that case.
Court records also reportedly show a history of charges spanning nearly three decades, including allegations involving assault and battery, breaking and entering, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Blanco, who police said appeared to be homeless, had also been arrested in a domestic violence case in 2024. According to Chief Perez, he was released in 2025 into the custody of Rhode Island’s state health and human services system.
These earlier cases are significant to the investigation because they provide context about the suspect’s previous encounters with the criminal justice system. However, the outcome of an individual case depends on its specific legal circumstances.
Court Records Reference Mental Health and Intellectual Disability
Blanco was also deemed incompetent to stand trial after being charged with possession of a stolen vehicle in 2018.
According to court documents, the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals stated that Blanco had an intellectual disability disorder and schizophrenia.
A finding that someone is incompetent to stand trial concerns their legal ability to participate in court proceedings at that time. It is not, by itself, a determination of guilt or a prediction that a person will commit violence.
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The available reports do not establish that Blanco’s documented conditions caused the alleged attack.
Police Chief Responds to Questions About Suspect’s Release
The case has prompted questions about how Blanco was back in the community despite his previous arrests and court proceedings. When asked whether the system had failed, Perez responded, “I don’t think the system is broken.”
The chief emphasized that law enforcement’s responsibility is to present the facts to the judicial system, leaving the courts to determine how justice should be served.
The toddler’s critical condition remains the most urgent concern following the attack. The case also highlights the complicated questions surrounding criminal proceedings, competency evaluations, public safety and the coordination of services for people involved in the justice and behavioral health systems.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the community will be watching for further updates on the child’s condition and the charges against Blanco.
What changes, if any, should be considered when someone previously deemed incompetent to stand trial returns to the community? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.
