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, Bougria and his then-girlfriend were involved in a violent argument late on August 24, 2025. Three park visitors from two different campsites testified that they heard screaming, slamming, crying, choking sounds, and what they believed was a gunshot. One witness saw Bougria physically grabbing the victim. Witnesses also reported 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.
National Park Service Rangers responded to the scene and encountered two witnesses at a nearby overlook. While speaking with them, officers saw a car matching Bougria’s vehicle drive past. After stopping the car, officers found Bougria driving while visibly intoxicated—shirtless, barefoot, and smelling of alcohol—with his girlfriend in the passenger seat crying and attempting to stop bleeding from her arm. 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 serious injuries. Later investigation at their campsite uncovered 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 further. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Browne are prosecuting.
