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 stand trial, a judge ruled Wednesday, although she believes she is, her attorney said.
Blanca Perez-Hernandez, 50, 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.
A psychiatrist testified in court Wednesday. While the state asked for Perez-Hernandez to be ruled not competent, defense attorney Ann Larson said her client believes she can proceed.
Despite some improvements in her condition, Judge Jerilyn Dietz ruled Perez-Hernandez is currently not competent, but may regain competency with additional treatment.
Perez-Hernandez returns to court April 30 for another review of her competency status.
According to the probable cause statement, police were called Jan. 7, 2025, 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.
Comments