Blanca Perez-Hernandez appears before Manitowoc County court via Zoom, November 7, 2025. (Manitowoc County court/Zoom)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A woman who invoked “Santa Muerte” — the Saint of Death — after being arrested for a stabbing in Manitowoc is still not competent to assist in her defense, a judge ruled Friday.
Blanca Perez-Hernandez, 49, faces two reckless injury counts after allegedly stabbing a woman who confronted Perez-Hernandez for trying to steal license plates off two vehicles in January.
Competency refers to her ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in her defense.
Another review of her mental status will be held Feb. 4.
According to the probable cause statement, police were called by someone who was being threatened by Perez-Hernandez. She later told police she was defending herself but security cameras support that she initiated the confrontation.
One person was slashed with the six-inch knife and another was threatened, the statement says. The victim told the court at a previous hearing she needed 10 stitches and may require surgery to repair nerve damage.
Perez-Hernandez told police she worships Santa Muerte, who gave her ownership of all cars in the world.
The victims told police they didn’t know Perez-Hernandez, according to a probable cause statement.
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