PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Nelson Pires was arraigned in district court Thursday morning on two counts of child endangerment. New facts have detailed what led to Ny’eil’s death and the role her father allegedly played in her passing. During Thursday’s arraignment, officers explained this conflict started well before any bullets were fired. “The defendant, Nelson Pires, on August 29th, 2024, in the early evening hours, encountered another individual Shaheem Nathanial, at a 7-11 store in the city of Providence,” said the prosecuting attorney. “That there was some verbal exchange that occurred in that store, and we know Mr. Pires was accompanied by his two young children.” Pires was arrested Wednesday afternoon by Providence Police. Chief Oscar Perez said Pires’ actions went beyond poor judgment, and officers at Thursday’s arraignment claimed he actively put his children in harm’s way. “The allegation is that Mr. Pires followed that vehicle in his own vehicle and, at least two occasions, bumped into the bumper of the vehicle where Mr. Nathaniel was a passenger,” said Perez. “When they arrived at Florence street, Nathaniel’s vehicle pulled over to park in front of a home where he and the other occupants were heading to a party. At that point in time, this defendant drove his vehicle at two of the passengers in that vehicle.” Officers said Pires attempted to drive up on the grass towards Shameem Nathaniel and Ahmani Cabrera, who are currently facing murder charges in Ny’iel’s death. “He then began to back up, and as he backed up, the two individuals Mr. Nathaniel and Mr. Cabrera opened fire and one of those shots unfortunately struck the defendant’s young daughter and eventually led to her death,” said the prosecuting attorney. “And also in the car at that time, judge, the grounds for the second count, was the defendant’s even younger son.” Since these are felony charges, no plea can be entered in district court, and Pires is being held on $50,000 surety due to his extensive criminal history. Pires is expected to be arraigned in superior court later today and will return to court for his probation violation Sept. 26th. Pires’ next hearing on the child endangerment charges will be on January 2nd. Categories: News, Rhode Island