Connecticut attempted murder trial for ex-White House laywer underway

CONNECTICUT (WABC) -- A former White House lawyer goes on trial for attempted murder in Connecticut Wednesday.

John Farren, who worked in both Bush administrations, is accused of trying to beat his wife to death with a flashlight two days after she served him with divorce papers at their New Canaan mansion.

The 57-year-old Farren was arraigned on charges of strangulation and attempted murder and ordered held on $2 million bail.

His wife, Mary Farren, was beaten so severely that she was knocked unconscious and lost vision, police said.

She managed to sound an alarm and escape the house with her two children.