LITTLE FALLS , MINNESOTA: A Minnesota man was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend's 14-month-old daughter.
As per police records, Erik Adrian Blanco was taken into custody on Wednesday, September 6, and booked on one count of second-degree murder with intent, and one count of second-degree murder without intent in the death of young Riverlynn VanNorman.
What did police say about Erik Adrian Blanco's arrest?
“A Little Falls man has been arrested in connection with the July 2023 death of a toddler. Investigators with the Little Falls Police Department and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) arrested Erik Adrian Blanco, 40, this morning at his Little Falls residence for the death of 14-month-old Riverlynn VanNorman,” read the press release.
“Multiple head and neck injuries consistent with homicidal violence,” as per preliminary autopsy, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Blanco had been caring for the child while the child’s mother was away from the residence. The victim and her mother had been temporarily staying with Blanco,” the statement said.
“After an exhaustive and thorough investigation into this case, investigators have arrested Erik Blanco in connection with this heart-breaking tragedy. This case has deeply affected our community, and our thoughts and condolences go out to Riverlynn’s family during this unimaginably difficult time,” Little Falls Police Chief Greg Schimers said.
“The pain and sorrow they are feeling is shared by the entire community. We also would like to express our gratitude to the community for their patience, understanding, and support throughout the course of this long and difficult investigation,” Schimers said.
According to court documents, the accused Blanco has been convicted of numerous crimes, including felony domestic assault in 2017, theft of a firearm or property valued at over $35,000 in 2016, receiving stolen property in 2014, assault with a dangerous weapon in 2014, disorderly conduct and obstruction in 2006, and assault causing great bodily harm in 2001. For the last offense, Blanco beat a 1-year-old who suffered a skull fracture," reports Law&Crime.
Blanco was reportedly 'unemotional' when police arrived
The Star Tribune claims, according to the probable cause affidavit when officers first arrived at Blanco’s home, the victim’s mother was hysterical and “screaming her daughter’s name.”
However, Blanco was reportedly seen praying occasionally “but was otherwise unemotional.”
In case Blanco is found guilty of second-degree murder, he can be sentenced to 40 years behind bars.
Blanco appeared in court on Friday, September 8, and a judge set his bond at $1 million, as per records.
