Teen Busted For Savage Queens Mom Slashing

An 18-year-old was arrested on Thursday, March 19, 2026, for the savage stabbing of a mother of three in East Elmhurst, Queens.

Luis Emmanuel Valencia Ponce was charged with attempted murder and assault after his own family recognized him in surveillance footage and turned him in to the NYPD.

The victim, 29-year-old Lisette Ramales, was walking to a bus stop at 6 a.m. on Monday when Ponce allegedly stalked and knifed her multiple times. Chilling video captured the attacker calmly walking away after the silent frenzy.

Ponce, described by neighbors as a "very quiet" and reserved teenager who lived with his father, resided just blocks from the crime scene.

It currently stands as a primary example of the random violence plaguing New York City transit routes.

Its primary mandate involves uncovering why the attacker targeted a stranger without uttering a word or attempting to steal any belongings.

The probe will also absorb and expand upon the victim's recovery at Elmhurst Hospital, where she is being treated for multiple broken ribs and deep stab wounds.

A critical component of the case involves the recovered bloody knife, which police found at the scene shortly after the "emo kid" suspect fled.

One of the most immediate challenges is the psychological toll on the community, as Ramales stated she is now "scared to go back home" and intends to only travel during daylight hours.

The victim noted from her hospital bed: "I was waiting for the light to turn to walk. [While] I was waiting, all of a sudden, the guy slashed me."

The NYPD stated they will refuse to let such "senseless acts" go unpunished and credited the public for the swift identification.

They plan to use the evidence gathered to ensure a rigorous prosecution. This includes investigating if Ponce has any links to other unsolved "ghost" attacks in the Queens area.

The establishment of this arrest follows a wave of concern over pedestrian safety in East Elmhurst. While specific sentencing for the attempted murder charge is still being finalized, the emphasis remains on protecting vulnerable citizens from "pointed cruelty" on their daily commute.

Director-level officials from the 115th Precinct pledged to ensure that the neighborhood remains safe.

As the victim noted: "He didn’t take anything... He didn’t say anything. That’s the weird part."