THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A Fort Smith man now faces a charge of attempted murder in connection with the stabbing of a woman in February.

The new charge was added June 23 to a list of charges originally laid against Paul Michael Egotak, 19.

Crown attorney Terri Nguyen declined to explain why attempted murder was added to the other charges.

"Given our assessment of the evidence, those are the charges we feel are appropriate," Nguyen said.

Egotak also faces charges of breaking, entering and committing aggravated assault; wearing a mask with the intent to commit an indictable offence; and carrying a knife for the purpose of committing an offence.

A preliminary inquiry is scheduled in Fort Smith territorial court on Nov. 3 and 4.

The charges are in connection with a Feb. 14, 2009, incident when a masked intruder entered a Fort Smith woman's residence and stabbed her.

The stabbing took place at about 4 a.m. in a Field Street home where the 58-year-old woman lived alone.

The victim suffered serious injuries.

Nguyen noted the woman has been recovering well.