A federal jury convicted Soufiane Bougria, a 31-year-old man from Springfield, Virginia, on Mar. 19 for assaulting his then-girlfriend with a hatchet while camping at the Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park.
The case highlights the dangers of domestic violence incidents occurring in public spaces and national parks. The conviction follows testimony from multiple witnesses and evidence collected by law enforcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, three park visitors witnessed a violent argument between Bougria and his then-girlfriend during the late-night hours of August 24, 2025. Witnesses reported hearing screaming, slamming, crying, choking sounds, and what they believed was a gunshot. One witness saw Bougria physically grabbing the victim. Witnesses also recalled hearing a male voice say, “I don’t care, I’ll do the max sentence,” and a female voice respond, “I can’t believe you would threaten me with murder.” All three witnesses called 911 independently.
National Park Service Rangers responded to the scene and encountered two witnesses at a nearby overlook. While speaking with them, officers spotted Bougria’s vehicle driving past. After initiating a traffic stop, officers found Bougria visibly intoxicated—shirtless, barefoot, and smelling of alcohol—and his girlfriend in the passenger seat crying and attempting to stop bleeding from her arm with clothing. Officers observed blood and fatty tissue inside the car as well as damage to its windshield and hood.
Bougria told officers that his girlfriend’s arm was accidentally cut with an axe. Emergency medical personnel transported her to Winchester Medical Center for emergency surgery due to the severity of her injuries. Later that morning, rangers returned to the campsite where they found a blood-spattered hatchet along with other personal belongings scattered around.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci announced the conviction. The National Park Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Browne are prosecuting.
