New charges have been filed against a man accused of assaulting his estranged wife and then setting a fire at her Perry Township house.

Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless said a warrant was issued Thursday morning charging Tom Wilcox, 38, of Vernon St., Ironton, with attempted murder, aggravated burglary and arson. All of these are first-degree felonies. He had initially been charged with felonious assault.

“Additional charges could be added in the future,” Lawless said. “As we piece this together we will certainly add any other charges that are appropriate.”

Lawless said Louisville, Ky., police continue to monitor Tom Wilcox’s condition as he remains in a Louisville hospital recuperating from burns he sustained in the incident.

“His condition has improved slightly but he does have some serious injuries,” Lawless said.

His alleged victim, Amy Wilcox, 38, remains in a Cincinnati area hospital. Lawless said her condition remains serious.

Authorities were called to Amy Wilcox’s Private Drive 254 residence late in the evening April 29. There they found Amy badly burned. Tom Wilcox had reportedly assaulted Amy Wilcox and set the fire injuring both of them. He then drove to the home of a friend who took him to Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell, Ky.

Amy Wilcox was taken from helicopter first to Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, W.Va. and then to the hospital in Cincinnati.

Authorities believe the incident was the result of a domestic dispute. The couple’s two children are in the care of Amy Wilcox’s family.

A benefit for Amy Wilcox and her children will be noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Dawson- Bryant High School. There will be an auction at 4 p.m. A number of area churches, organizations and individuals are participating in the fundraiser.