⏱ 2 min read
Soufiane Bougria, 31, from Springfield, Virginia, brutally assaulted his then-girlfriend with a hatchet while camping in Shenandoah National Park on August 24, 2025. The violent encounter occurred at the Mathews Arm Campground, where multiple park visitors witnessed the heated argument and called 911. The attack left the victim with a gaping laceration on her right arm and wrist. Bougria was visibly intoxicated and driving erratically when National Park Service Rangers stopped him.
Witnesses described hearing screams, slamming, and what sounded like a gunshot, and saw Bougria physically grabbing his girlfriend. The defendant was heard saying, “I don’t care, I’ll do the max sentence,” while the victim pleaded, “I can’t believe you would threaten me with murder.” The witnesses’ testimony and the severity of the victim’s injuries led to Bougria’s conviction on two counts of felony assault.
Bougria’s sentencing to 78 months in federal prison reflects the seriousness of the crime. The hatchet attack was a shocking display of violence in a national park, a place meant for recreation and tranquility. The swift response of the National Park Service Rangers and the witnesses’ bravery in reporting the incident helped bring Bougria to justice.
The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for swift action in response to violent crimes. The victim’s courage in the face of such brutality is a testament to her resilience, and the sentence handed down to Bougria serves as a warning to those who would commit such heinous acts.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Virginia
- Location: VA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
