NEWS

Helena man denies stabbing former girlfriend

The Associated Press

HELENA (AP) – A 34-year-old Helena man has denied charges that he tried to kill his former girlfriend by stabbing and strangling her, causing a collapsed lung and throat injuries.

KTVH-TV reports Jim Randolph Oliver pleaded not guilty to attempted deliberate homicide during a hearing Thursday before District Judge Kathy Seeley. She denied a defense request to lower Oliver’s bond from $150,000 to $25,000.

Prosecutors allege Oliver had been kicked out of the woman’s house for drug use, but entered the house late on March 21. The woman said when she went to investigate a noise in her living room Oliver stabbed and strangled her. The woman’s father said he hit Oliver in the head with a pool cue and chased him off.

Court records say Oliver told police the woman invited him to the house and two men attacked him.