Douglas County prosecutors on Wednesday charged a 39-year-old Lawrence man with attempted murder and attempted rape in connection with a Tuesday stabbing in northern Lawrence.

District Attorney Charles Branson said Wednesday the man had a prior diagnosis for a mental health disorder and asked pro-tem judge James George to set bond at $500,000.

“Given the serious nature of the charges and given that prior situation, this would represent a danger to the community,” Branson said in court.

After the hearing, Branson said prosecutors and investigators think the incident occurred after the man had an argument with his wife at the home.

Sgt. Matt Sarna, a Lawrence police spokesman, said the woman was listed in stable condition Wednesday morning at a Topeka hospital.

The man, who moved with the family back to Lawrence from Tonganoxie six months ago, was booked into jail Tuesday evening on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder, police said, after officers were called to a possible stabbing at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of John Doy Court, near Peterson Road and Kasold Drive.

Branson in court accused the man of stabbing his wife with a knife and also trying to remove her clothes in an attempt to rape her.

In brief comments to the judge, the man appeared calm Wednesday.

“I’m not a danger to people, your honor,” he said.

Branson said the man had no prior criminal history, but George still agreed to set the man’s bond at $500,000 and ordered him not to have contact with his wife or return to the house if he gets out of jail.

The woman was taken to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka in serious condition after suffering apparent stab wounds.

George appointed defense attorney Courtney Henderson to represent the man, and his next hearing is scheduled for this afternoon in front of District Judge Paula Martin.

The Journal-World generally does not identify sex crime suspects unless they are convicted.