Attempted murder charge laid in house attack

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 14, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Lethbridge Police Service have charged a 28-year-old male with attempted murder in connection with an incident where a woman was attacked in her home earlier this week.

 Corbin John Maxwell, 28, of Coaldale, is charged with attempted murder and housebreaking with intent.

 Pete Christos, acting inspector of the criminal investigation division, told reporters Friday that the investigation determined the accused is unknown to the victim and the crime was a random act of violence.

 “On September 10, at approximately 3:30 a.m. police responded to a report that a male had broken into a home along the 200 block of Mayor Magrath Drive North and attacked a 27-year-old woman who was asleep in her bedroom,” said Christos. 

 He explained that the investigation determined the male entered through an open ground floor window and once inside, obtained a weapon of opportunity that he used to bludgeon the victim before fleeing through the same window he used to gain entry.

 Christos added that the victim was transported by EMS to Chinook Regional Hospital and admitted with serious head injuries. Multiple officers responded to the scene and a K9 track was conducted with negative results.

 “Following further investigation, surveillance video of the subject was obtained and he was subsequently identified by police. On Sept. 11, he was located and arrested without incident,” said Christos.

 He said every available resource was used in this investigation and officers were relentless in their pursuit to apprehend the perpetrator of the crime.

 “While random crimes of violence remain rare, the opportunistic nature of this crime, coupled with significant physical and emotional harm inflicted on the victim is deeply troubling,” said Christos.

 He said LPS want to ensure the community that public safety is their number one priority and they hope residents will take some comfort in knowing that the accused was quickly taken into custody and possesses no ongoing risk at this time.

 Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Maxwell was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

When talking about what the public can do to prevent this from happening to them, Christos said they always ask the public to make sure they are vigilant and take steps that could help them feel safe in their own homes.

 “Good lighting is always a great option, cameras are great deterrent as well and we know it’s been a hot summer, but if you’re going to be leaving windows open, that you have measures in place that can detect and prevent it from happening in the future,” said Christos.