A rural Valley Falls man facing attempted second degree murder has his charge upgraded.

 According to Jefferson County Attorney Jason Belveal, John Hayworth, Junior’s charge was upgraded Monday to attempted first degree murder, a level one felony, after his preliminary hearing in Jefferson County Court.

 He was arrested December 4th by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s department after receiving a call earlier that morning that a man had been shot at 6155 142nd Street in rural Valley Falls.

 Upon arrival, deputies discovered that 58 year old William Schoonover had been shot and was transported to Topeka, where he later recovered and was released from the hospital.

 The department alleges that Hayworth fired the shot following an argument with Schoonover over cattle.

 Hayworth’s wife, 53 year old Bernadine, also faces felony charges of aggravated battery and obstructing apprehension of prosecution, commonly known as aiding and abetting, related to the alleged incident.

 The Hayworths will appear for arraignment on March 22nd.

 John Hayworth is out on a 50 thousand dollar property bond.