A Burlington man is facing an attempted second-degree murder charge after city police say he pummeled his wife unconscious in front of three children over the weekend.

Bal Khadka, 44, is due for arraignment in Vermont Superior Court on Tuesday for the felony charge.  

Burlington Police said patrol officers responded to an apartment at 234 South Champlain Street about 5:48 a.m. Saturday after receiving multiple 911 calls.  Some reported a fight in progress and others requested an ambulance. 

Officers found an unresponsive woman lying in bed, with substantial injuries to her head, Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke reported.

After further investigation it was determined Khadka had reportedly bludgeoned his spouse with a large flashlight while in the presence of three juveniles, Burke said.

An ambulance with the Burlington Fire Department transported the victim to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition, Burke said Sunday.

A judge ordered Khadka held without bail at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans pending arraignment.

The investigation remains active and has been transferred to BPD’s Detective Services Bureau for follow-up.

Anybody with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Erica Schaller at (802) 540-2282.