A Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in Flathead District Court on Thursday.

Spencer Blaney, 21, is facing a deliberate attempted homicide charge after he allegedly stabbed another man a dozen times at a party in Columbia Falls last month.

Witnesses reported that Blaney showed up uninvited to a bonfire on Trumble Creek Road in Columbia Falls on Nov. 17. The witnesses allegedly heard Blaney say, “I’m going to [expletive] kill you,” as he attacked another man at the party, according to the police report.

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies reportedly made contact with the stabbing victim at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where he was being treated for approximately 12 stab wounds. He told deputies he had been standing at the bonfire when Blaney allegedly came over to him and attacked him. According to the police report, the victim stated that Blaney had been threatening to stab and kill him prior to the incident.

Witnesses at the party told police the stabbing victim was reportedly in a relationship with Blaney’s ex-wife. One of the witnesses reported to have tackled Blaney and grabbed the knife from him.

Blaney allegedly fled the scene in a silver sedan after the incident. The victim was taken to the hospital by a friend.

A few hours later, Blaney turned himself in to law enforcement. According to the police report, Blaney admitted he had attempted to instigate a fight with the victim earlier that day, but he “was the bigger man and chose not to.” According to deputies, Blaney also stated that all of his anger toward the victim built up and “he lost it.”

A jury trial is set before District Judge Dan Wilson on April 2, 2018. If he is found guilty, Blaney could face up to life in prison. He is currently being held at the Flathead County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or [email protected].