Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor announced Thursday that two individuals were charged with attempted murder in the second degree in Barton County District Court. The cases are not related.

Troy Thomas Tutak was charged with one count of attempted murder in the second degree. He appeared in front of District Magistrate Judge Richard Burgess and was advised of his charge. His bond is currently set at $100,000. Tutak was appointed an attorney and is scheduled for preliminary hearing on Nov. 8.

His charges stem from an incident last Saturday, Oct. 20, where Tutak is alleged to have shot his wife at their Great Bend residence. She was transported from the local hospital to a Wichita hospital in critical condition.

Kenneth Allen Birt Jr. was charged with one count of attempted murder in the second degree and one count interference with law enforcement - tampering with evidence. He appeared in Barton County District Court with his attorney, Brock McPherson. Birt is currently being held on $100,000 surety bond or $10,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.

Birt’s charges stem from an incident on Friday, Oct. 19, in rural Barton County, after a man sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his left leg.