Marine Cpl. Jonathan M. Gould charged with attacking pregnant wife with hammer

A North Carolina-based Marine has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating his pregnant wife with a hammer, authorities said.

Cpl. Jonathan M. Gould, 24, who is assigned to Camp Lejeune’s Weapons Training Battalion, had his initial court appearance Monday morning at the Onslow County Courthouse in Jacksonville, N.C. His bond was set at $1 million, according to a court clerk.

Gould initially told authorities that he was assaulted by an unknown intruder and knocked unconscious before waking to find that his wife had been assaulted, Gould told police.

However, Onslow County Sheriff’s investigators said they found evidence at Gould’s residence that was inconsistent with his account.

Upon further questioning, Gould allegedly told authorities that he had struck his wife with a hammer, according to Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown.

Gould was charged with attempted murder and was initially held without bond.

His wife, identified as Erin Gould, was airlifted in critical condition to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Gould is slated to return to court on Jan. 15.