Tragedy in the Wilderness: NJ Man Convicted of Girlfriend's Murder at Virginia Campground

A somber verdict has been delivered in a Virginia courtroom, bringing a measure of closure, perhaps, to a truly heartbreaking case. Daniel Andrew Boughton, a 31-year-old from Williamstown, New Jersey, now faces the stark reality of a life sentence after being found guilty of first-degree murder and a felony stabbing charge. His girlfriend, Morgan "Skye" Boughton, 30, was the victim of this horrific incident.

The tranquility of False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach, a place usually synonymous with peaceful getaways and nature's embrace, was shattered on April 17, 2024. It was within this serene backdrop that an argument escalated with unimaginable consequences, transforming a picturesque campground into a crime scene.

Testimony during the trial painted a grim, detailed picture of that fateful day. Prosecutors meticulously laid out the sequence of events, explaining how an argument between Daniel and Skye within their tent took a violent turn. One can only imagine the tension that must have simmered, the words exchanged, before the situation spiraled so catastrophically out of control. It's a stark, somber reminder of how quickly an argument can veer into irreversible tragedy.

Evidence presented to the jury revealed that Daniel Boughton stabbed Skye multiple times. After the horrific attack, it was Boughton himself who placed the frantic 911 call, initially attempting to frame the incident as self-defense. However, as police delved deeper, a more chilling truth emerged from his own lips: a confession that "things went too far." The discovery of a multi-tool knife, believed to be the weapon, along with the victim's multiple stab wounds, some clearly defensive, left little doubt about the nature of the crime.

Jurors, tasked with weighing the evidence and testimonies, deliberated for only a few short hours this past Wednesday. Their swift return with a guilty verdict for first-degree murder and felony stabbing speaks volumes, perhaps reflecting the compelling nature of the prosecution's case and the irrefutable evidence presented against Boughton.

Now, Daniel Boughton awaits his ultimate fate. His sentencing is scheduled for February 19, 2026, where he could very well receive a life sentence, bringing a definitive, albeit tragic, conclusion to this devastating chapter for all involved.