New Mexico – A shocking incident at a popular New Mexico restaurant has left the community outraged after an 8-year-old girl was violently attacked by a 24-year-old man, identified as N. Souci. The young girl, who was simply enjoying a family outing, was seriously injured and required hospitalization after the unprovoked assault.
Souci, who did not know the child or her family, admitted to the attack and reportedly told police that he did it because the girl “got in his way.” He is now facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A Peaceful Family Outing Turns Into Horror
The terrifying event occurred late last month, during what was meant to be a joyful dinner for the girl’s family. According to her father, B. Rose, the family was waiting for a table due to the restaurant being crowded. His wife and daughter decided to walk around and admire the artwork and water features inside.
“That’s when I heard my wife from across the restaurant yelling, ‘No, no, stop,’” Rose told local media. “And then I knew something was going on with my family.”
By the time he reached them, Rose found his daughter soaked and bleeding, having been attacked with a glass bottle.
Chilling Details From the Attack
According to court documents and the District Attorney’s Office, the child had been looking at a waterfall feature when Souci approached from behind, struck her with a bottle, and used the shattered remains to slice her neck.
The young girl suffered serious injuries, requiring 19 stitches. Thankfully, her injuries were not life-threatening, but the trauma has deeply affected the family.
Witnesses and reports confirm that there was no prior interaction between Souci and the child. The attack was sudden, brutal, and completely unprovoked.
“He Wasn’t Done,” Father Says
B. Rose further recounted that even after the initial attack, the suspect stood up and pulled out another weapon, seemingly prepared to strike again.
“I thought maybe he was going to use [the knife] against me,” Rose said. “But then I realised he was looking back at my daughter. So I made sure I stood between them.”
His quick action likely prevented further harm, ensuring the safety of his daughter and others nearby.
Legal Action and Community Response
District Attorney S. Bregman has expressed strong condemnation of the crime, highlighting its severity and the danger it posed not only to the victim but to the public.
“He’s facing 22 and a half years,” Bregman said. “If convicted of the child abuse charge alone, it carries a mandatory sentence of 18 years.”
Souci is currently being held without bond at the county jail, pending trial. The case has drawn widespread attention, sparking conversations around mental health, public safety, and protecting children in public spaces.