A New Mexico man who admitted to carrying out a random and violent attack on an 8-year-old girl inside a crowded Albuquerque restaurant has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison after pleading guilty to child abuse charges.
According to court records, 24-year-old Nichalas San Souci was sentenced on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to 12 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of child abuse. In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered him to serve three years of probation following his release.
Attack Happened Inside Popular Restaurant
The assault took place on April 25, 2025, at Saggio’s Restaurant, located near the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.
According to prosecutors, the 8-year-old girl was walking through the restaurant and looking at a decorative waterfall display when San Souci suddenly attacked her without warning.
Authorities said the victim and San Souci had never met before the incident.
Beer Bottle Smashed Over Child’s Head
Prosecutors said San Souci struck the child over the head with a beer bottle, shattering it during the assault.
After breaking the bottle, he allegedly used the jagged glass to stab and slash the girl, causing a deep wound to her neck.
The child suffered serious injuries and required 19 stitches as a result of the attack.
Suspect Told Police Child Was “In My Way”
According to court documents, San Souci admitted attacking the child and told investigators he did so because “she got in my way.”
Authorities said he used the broken bottle both to strike the victim and to inflict additional injuries after the initial blow.
Father Described Chaotic Scene
The victim’s father, Britton Rose, previously described the terrifying moments that unfolded inside the crowded restaurant.
According to Rose, his family had arrived during a busy period and expected a long wait before being seated.
While waiting, his wife and daughter walked around the restaurant to look at its murals and decorative features.
Rose said he suddenly heard his wife screaming from across the restaurant.
He recalled hearing her repeatedly yell, “No, no, stop,” immediately alerting him that something was wrong.
When he reached his daughter, she was covered in liquid and told him that someone had come up behind her and smashed a beer bottle over her head.
Father Says Suspect Later Pulled Out a Knife
Rose also told local media that after the initial confrontation, San Souci stood back up and produced a knife.
At first, Rose believed the suspect intended to attack him.
However, he quickly realized San Souci appeared to be looking back toward his injured daughter.
Rose said he immediately positioned himself between the suspect and the child to prevent any further attack.
Defendant Apologized During Sentencing
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, San Souci apologized to the young victim and her family.
According to local reports, he acknowledged that although it was not an excuse for his actions, he had been under the influence of drugs when the attack occurred.
He told the court he accepted responsibility and was prepared to receive whatever punishment the judge imposed.
Prosecutors Previously Condemned Attack
When charges were originally announced, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman described the assault as “so, so disturbing.”
At the time, prosecutors noted that San Souci initially faced charges carrying the possibility of decades in prison if convicted.
Following his guilty plea to two child abuse charges, the court imposed a 12-year prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised probation after his release.
The case concludes the prosecution stemming from the unprovoked attack that left an 8-year-old girl seriously injured inside one of Albuquerque’s well-known restaurants.
