Ramona

A Ramona man, accused of trying to smother his wife of 40 years with a plastic bag, pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of attempted murder.

Walter James Watson, 79, was ordered to stand trial Oct. 2 by Superior Court Judge Herbert J. Exarhos.

Watson, who is free on $10,000 bail, is suspected of attacking his wife, Mary, 79, on July 15 by placing plastic over her face as she took an afternoon nap.

Testifying at Watson’s preliminary hearing, Mary Watson, who has Parkinson’s disease and requires constant care, said she was able to poke two holes in the covering but broke two fingers.

Investigators say that, after the Watsons’ son came to his mother’s aid, Watson went into the basement of the house and attempted to kill himself by drinking carburetor cleaner and wrapping plastic around his own face.

A family friend who accompanied Watson to court said she is caring for Mary. Watson is under court order to refrain from contacting his wife.

Watson appeared confused as he left the courtroom, saying he did not know the reason for the legal actions.