Woman Allegedly Strikes Sleeping Boyfriend With Hatchet
On a quiet September morning in Fargo, North Dakota, a violent and shocking incident reportedly unfolded that has left a community stunned and a man fighting for his life. Lena Deoliveira, a local woman, stands accused of attacking her boyfriend with a hatchet while he was asleep — a brutal assault that a witness described as sounding "like splitting wood." The victim survived the harrowing attack. He suffered severe injuries, including a large gash to his head and fingers so badly damaged they appeared to be hanging off his hand. As the legal process moves forward, Deoliveira faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault, with her next court appearance scheduled for October 16.
A Startling Attack in the Early Hours
The alleged attack took place on September 5 at a residence on the 700 block of 14th Street North in Fargo. According to court documents obtained by local news outlets, police were called to the scene early in the morning after the victim reported being assaulted with a weapon. When officers arrived, the man told them he was alone and had been attacked without any warning. He was immediately taken to a hospital for emergency treatment.
What makes this case particularly chilling is the presence of a third man who was reportedly at the house during the attack and witnessed the event. This witness told police he awoke to screaming and saw Deoliveira swing the hatchet down toward her boyfriend. Although the witness could not see exactly where the hatchet struck due to obstructions, he described the sound as eerily similar to "splitting wood", according to Live 5 News — a bizarre and haunting detail that paints a vivid picture of the violence.
The Aftermath: Severe Injuries and a Narrow Escape
The victim's injuries were severe. Court documents and police reports reveal that the man sustained a large slice across his head and suffered deep lacerations to his fingers, with some fingers reportedly "kind of hanging" or missing, as reported by Live 5 News. The extent of the damage required surgery, underscoring the life-threatening nature of the assault.
The witness also noted that Deoliveira appeared to be "out of it" during the attack, as reported by PEOPLE, but seemed to regain awareness after hearing a click from a nearby recliner's footrest and noticing the blood around her. At that point, she fled the scene and was arrested two days later in Moorhead, Minnesota, just a mile from Fargo.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following her arrest on September 7, Deoliveira requested an attorney when questioned and declined to provide a statement to police. She was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, serious offenses that carry significant legal consequences. Her case is set to be heard in Cass County court on October 16, where the community and legal observers alike will be watching closely.
A Community Left Reeling
Incidents of domestic violence are always difficult to process, but the sheer brutality of this attack — striking a sleeping partner with a hatchet — adds a layer of shock and disbelief. The witness's description of the sound as "like splitting wood" is a haunting metaphor that captures the raw violence of the moment and leaves you imagining the terrifying scene.
For the victim, survival was just the first step. The physical and emotional scars from such an attack will likely linger long after the wounds heal. For the community, this case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of vigilance and support for those affected.
What You Should Know
- The attack occurred in the early morning hours of September 5 in Fargo, North Dakota.
- Lena Deoliveira allegedly struck her sleeping boyfriend with a hatchet, causing severe head and finger injuries.
- A witness at the scene described the sound of the attack as "like splitting wood."
- The victim survived and underwent surgery for his injuries.
- Deoliveira was arrested two days later in a nearby city and charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.
- Her next court date is scheduled for October 16.
As this case unfolds, it will undoubtedly raise questions about the circumstances leading to such a violent act and the path to justice for the victim. For now, the details remain a chilling story of survival against a brutal assault, marked by a witness's unforgettable description that will linger in the minds of those who hear it.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available to help. Remember, violence is never acceptable, and support is out there.
References: Woman Accused of Striking Boyfriend in Head with Hatchet as He Slept: 'Like Splitting Wood' | Woman accused of hitting boyfriend in head with hatchet while he was sleeping
