A Casper man accused of assaulting his former girlfriend with a hammer had his charges bound over to District Court Thursday. Case will go to trial:

LaShawn Sidney King, 32, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, kidnapping, and two counts of aggravated assault.

King is accused of assaulting his former girlfriend May 6th, about a month after their relationship ended.

At the preliminary hearing, District Attorney Mike Blonigen outlined the state's case against King, who is accused of luring the victim to see him with a story about him leaving town and needing to make arrangements for a pet they once shared. She agreed and picked King up in her van.

According to charging documents and court testimony, the victim drove King to a parking lot, where the assault began when King hit her with a small sledge hammer. The assault continued as she tried to escape an was forced back into the van.

DA Blonigen entered four photographs into evidence, including a photo of the victim's injuries and a hammer.

Police Det. Robin Tuma testified they were first aware of the assault from a 911 call where a woman could be heard asking for mercy. Open court testimony revealed that the victim hid her phone and made the call after the assault. The call ended but not before they heard the name LaShawn.

Police connected stalking reports made by the victim to King and went to his house, near where police arrested King and the victim was found severely injured, with multiple fractures and unable to see from the swelling around her eyes.

During cross examination of Det. Tuma, Assistant Public Defender Dylan Rosalez asked if the victim tried to escape during a stop for fuel, and the detective responded that she couldn't see.

Circuit Court Judge Michael Huber found probable cause for the four counts against King and continued bond. A trial date will be set.

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