North Dakota Woman Charged with Attempted Murder After Allegedly Striking Boyfriend in Head with Hatchet While He Slept

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 16, 2025

Fargo, ND – A shocking and violent incident unfolded in Fargo, North Dakota, when a woman allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a hatchet while he was sleeping. The accused, Lena Deoliveira, was arrested and charged with attempted murder days after the incident, drawing attention to this disturbing case.

The Harrowing Incident in Fargo

On September 5, an alleged attack occurred inside a Fargo residence, leaving the victim with a severe head wound and multiple fingers partially severed. Court documents describe that the victim sustained a large slice to his head and had several fingers “hanging” from his hand after the assault.

At the time of the attack, a third man was reportedly present at the residence and witnessed the event. The witness informed police that he saw Deoliveira swing a hatchet at her boyfriend. The sound of the strike was compared to “like splitting wood,” which the witness initially thought was her hitting the headrest or headboard due to obstructions blocking his view of the point of impact.

“He looked and saw Lena swing down with the hatchet; he couldn’t see the point of the strike due to obstructions but heard it sound like splitting wood,” the witness told police, according to court documents cited by InForum.

The Aftermath and Arrest

The witness described that Deoliveira appeared disoriented during the attack and fled the scene quickly after noticing blood and hearing a click from a nearby recliner’s footrest. Police arrived after the victim called 911 alone, initially unaware of the witness’s presence.

Investigators found a trail of blood leading from the garage to the house, which was shared by the victim, suspect, and witness. The victim was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent surgery on his damaged fingers.

Deoliveira was later arrested two days after the incident in Moorhead, Minnesota, just about a mile away from the scene. She declined to speak with authorities and has been formally charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 16.

Community and Legal Perspectives

This disturbing case has raised concerns within the Fargo community about domestic violence and the severity of such attacks. Experts urge awareness and support systems for victims who might be at risk. The dramatic nature of the assault highlights the importance of timely intervention and investigation.

Date of incident: September 5, 2024
Location: Fargo, North Dakota (arrest in Moorhead, Minnesota)
Victim injuries: Large head wound, multiple fingers severely injured
Charges filed: Attempted murder, aggravated assault
Next court date: October 16, 2024

For more detailed information about this case, visit People.com.

What’s Next in This Case?

The legal proceedings surrounding Lena Deoliveira are ongoing, and the October court date will provide further clarity on the case’s direction. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this violent attack.

Meanwhile, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance and support in situations involving domestic violence and aggressive behaviors.

What do you think about this incident? Have you or someone you know experienced a similar situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!