A 23-year-old woman from North Dakota, Lena Deoliveira, is facing charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault. The charges stem from an incident on September 5, where she allegedly attacked her boyfriend, Jonathan Granados, with a hatchet while he was asleep. The attack took place in a detached garage in north Fargo, where the couple and a third individual, all homeless, were residing, as reported by local NBC affiliate KVLY.
According to the witness, who was also staying in the garage, Granados woke up screaming during the attack. The charging documents reveal that the witness saw Deoliveira swing the hatchet down, but due to obstructions, he could not see the exact point of impact. However, he described the sound as akin to “splitting wood,” initially leading him to believe that Deoliveira had struck the headrest or headboard.
Fargo Police were informed by the witness that he believed Granados had been struck at least twice in the head. This was based on his observation that one or two of Granados’ fingers appeared to be missing or “kind of hanging.” He also reported seeing blood and a mark on Granados’ skull.
Following the attack, Deoliveira fled the scene but was later located by police during their investigation. Granados was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. His injuries included severe lacerations to his hands and head, with a “large slice” reported in his skull, according to the charging documents.
Deoliveira was apprehended later that Sunday in Moorhead without any incident. She is currently being held on a $500,000 bond and is due to appear in court for her next hearing on October 16, as reported by The Forum.