Mother is charged with attempted murder

A mother of three was charged Wednesday with attempting to set her husband and children afire as they slept.

Hyang Lee, 39, is accused of placing the three children, ages 2 to 9, in bed with her sleeping husband in the early hours of Feb. 26, dousing them with lighter fluid and lighting a rolled piece of paper using a long barbecue lighter with the intention of setting them afire.

Her husband awoke and struggled with her until he was able to douse the fire, authorities said. Some months earlier, she had slashed him with a steak knife during an argument, authorities said.

Lee -- who is being held without bail at Orange County Jail -- could face life in prison if convicted.