Little Falls Man Convicted of Murder, Manslaughter in 2023 Toddler Death

(KNSI) — A Little Falls man has been found guilty of second-degree felony murder and first-degree manslaughter in the July 2023 death of a 14-month-old girl in his care.

A jury convicted Erik Adrian Blanco following a trial lasting more than a week. Jurors found that Blanco abused his position of authority over the child and that the toddler was particularly vulnerable due to her age, leaving her unable to seek help or defend herself.

On July 6th, 2023, Little Falls police responded to a home where the toddler in Blanco’s care was found unresponsive and not breathing. Officers observed bruising on the child’s face and marks on her neck and behind her ears. She was taken to the hospital, where she died. An autopsy determined the death was caused by blunt force trauma, injuries from a lack of oxygen such as choking, smothering or strangulation, numerous hemorrhages, and a skull fracture.

The case was prosecuted by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office following a referral from Morrison County Attorney Brian Middendorf.

The Little Falls Police Department, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota State Patrol all assisted in the investigation.

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