Dubuque, Iowa ? A man whose estranged wife was found stabbed at her apartment and whose children were found suffocated in his home appeared in court Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Michael Walker, 38, of Dubuque, was being held on $1.5 million bond, Police Chief Kim Wadding said.

Karen M. Walker, 34, was found in her apartment around 9 p.m. Monday suffering from stab wounds, Wadding said. She underwent surgery at Mercy Hospital and was in critical but stable condition Tuesday.

Fire units called to the apartment spotted a man walking in the area who appeared to have blood on his hands and upper torso.

Police arrested Michael Walker two blocks from his estranged wife’s apartment and took him to Finley Hospital for treatment of lacerations and abrasions.

“During that encounter, it was determined a welfare check was needed” at Walker’s home, Wadding said.

There, police found the couple’s two children, Lindsay Marie Walker, 9, and Jordan James Walker, 8. They appeared to have been suffocated earlier Monday evening, Wadding said.

“We have tragic situations that occur from time to time, but this is a very tragic event and very unusual,” he said.

Walker, who grew up in Emporia, Kan., is the brother of Gazette Publisher Christopher White Walker and son of Gazette owners Barbara and David Walker. He is a 1982 graduate of Emporia High School.

“We’re saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go to everyone involved,” Christopher Walker said.