A construction worker who may be in the country illegally has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly launched a brutal unprovoked attack on a college student in Louisiana over the weekend, according to reports.
The disturbing incident unfolded on Friday in Thibodaux, a city in Lafourche Parish that is home to Nicholls State University.
The female victim was sitting at a picnic table outside St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where she was preparing for a church retreat when she was ambushed by a man wielding a hammer, WBRZ reports.
The suspect, who was reportedly working on crew repairing the roof of the church, bashed the woman multiple times with the tool before being chased off by a priest and church staff.
Campus police apprehended the suspect approximately 20 minutes later.
Juan B. Monroy, 33, was charged with attempted second-degree murder and hate crime and is being held at Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on $500,000 bond.
Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against Monroy, indicating he may be in the country illegally.
Suspected Illegal Charged With Attempted Murder, Hate Crime in Hammer Attack on Female Victim at Louisiana Church
— Border Hawk (@BorderHawkNews) February 13, 2025
Juan B. Monroy was reportedly working on a crew repairing the church roof when he ambushed the young woman as she sat at a picnic table
Full story forthcoming https://t.co/Lyf8wzN3tg pic.twitter.com/lvcWjghE1o
“This is yet another senseless act of violence committed by someone who should not be in our country. Monsters like this are the reason why the federal government is opening up Guantanamo Bay. We stand with our victims,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry announced on Monday.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital and is currently recovering from undisclosed injuries.
An investigation is ongoing.