Man Indicted After Allegedly Attacking 8-Year-Old Girl with Beer Bottle in New Mexico Restaurant

A New Mexico man has been indicted after allegedly assaulting an 8-year-old girl inside a busy Albuquerque restaurant, leaving her with serious injuries that required extensive medical treatment.

Nichalas San Souci, 24, was formally indicted by a Bernalillo County grand jury last week on 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, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.

The alleged incident occurred on April 25, 2025, at Saggios, a restaurant located on Cornell Drive. Authorities say the child was observing a decorative waterfall when San Souci approached her, struck her on the head with a glass beer bottle, and then used the broken bottle to cut her neck.

The victim sustained serious injuries and required 19 stitches. Investigators say the girl and San Souci had no prior connection.

Britton Rose, the victim’s father shared more details about the ordeal. He explained that his family was waiting for a table at the crowded restaurant when his wife and daughter began exploring the venue’s artwork and interior. Moments later, he heard his wife yelling for help from across the restaurant.

“My daughter was soaking wet and in shock,” Rose said. “She told us someone came up from behind and smashed a bottle over her head.”

Court documents obtained reveal that San Souci not only broke the bottle over the child’s head but also used the sharp remnants to stab and slice her. During police interviews, San Souci reportedly stated he attacked the girl “because she got in my way.”

Rose also described a subsequent encounter in which San Souci allegedly produced a knife and appeared to again target the young girl. “He stood up and pulled a knife,” Rose recalled. “It looked like he intended to go after my daughter again, so I positioned myself between them.”

District Attorney Sam Bregman condemned the attack as “deeply disturbing,” noting that San Souci faces up to 22.5 years in prison if convicted.

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A conviction on the charge of child abuse alone carries a mandatory sentence of 18 years. San Souci remains in custody at the Bernalillo County Jail without bond, according to jail records.