Man charged in stabbing

SIKESTON - A Howardville man is charged with the stabbing of a Charleston woman.

Alex Hamilton, 29, was charged by New Madrid County Prosecutor Lewie Recker with first degree assault and armed criminal action. He is currently in custody of the New Madrid Sheriff's Department and scheduled to be arraigned before Associate Circuit Judge Charles Spitler.

After investigators were able to interview the victim, it appears that the motive in the stabbing incident at Wal-Mart Wednesday afternoon was possibly an attempted robbery.

Following her treatment and release for a stab wound to her left shoulder, Rose McClendon told investigators that Hamilton may have tried to take her purse. She was able to thwart his attempt by knocking the knife away and standing on it, while the suspect fled.

As of press time, no bond was set for Hamilton.