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East Helena man charged with trying to kill his grandmother

Maurice Charles Austin charged with attempted deliberate homicide
Posted at 6:10 PM, Jan 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-31 12:08:40-05

Maurice Charles Austin of East Helena has been charged with attempted deliberate homicide after he allegedly stabbed his grandmother an estimated 10 times on Wednesday.

The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office says the woman is now in serious condition, but stable.

East Helena Police responded to East Clinton Street at around 9:10 p.m. after the woman called 911 saying she was attacked by her grandson.

Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's deputies found Austin shortly after with blood on his hands and forearms.

According to court documents, during questioning Austin said he and his grandmother were arguing about paying bills.

The woman was initially treated at St. Peter’s Health in Helena, but had to be transferred to Benefis Health System in Great Falls due to the severity of her injuries.

“Around 2:30 a.m. she was flown to Benefis Hospital,” said Sheriff Leo Dutton. “She was immediately taken to surgery, she suffered a collapsed lung. She’s in serious condition, but she’s stable and the ICU is watching her very carefully.”

Austin, 21 years old, is scheduled to enter a plea in District Court on February 26.