Suspect in fatal Providence mall stabbing held without bail

Mayor Jorge Elorza speaks with reporters at an event in Upper South Providence September 18, 2020 one day after a killing in the Providence Place Mall, the 11th homicide of the year in the capital. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

WPRO News and The Associated Press

The suspect in a fatal stabbing at a Rhode Island mall was held without bail at his arraignment Friday, and Mayor Jorge Elorza maintained the city is safe.

Riky Hilario Cabral, 22, faces a murder charge in the death of Nazzique Hernandez, 19, who was stabbed late Thursday morning at the Providence Place mall and pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.

Cabral did not enter a plea and was referred to the public defender’s office, according to court records.

The stabbing on the third-floor of the mall near the food court was preceded by a fight, Providence police Maj. David Lapatin said. He did not say what sparked the fight.

Four people were originally taken in for questioning Thursday, but only Cabral was charged and the other three were released, he said. The case remains open and there is a possibility more people will face charges, he said.

The mall’s operator, Brookfield Properties, said in a statement that it was “extremely disheartened by the senseless act,” and said it did not appear to be a random act.

“We are an extremely, extremely safe city,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza, who called the killing “just another senseless act of violence.”

Elorza said he is working with community groups, “letting people know the only option isn’t taking revenge or more violence.”

“The numbers tell us that in our history, we’re probably experiencing the safest time in at least 30 or 40 years when it comes to violent crime.”

“So, for anyone outside the city that is thinking about coming to the city, know that Providence is as safe as it has ever been in decades,” Elorza said.