AURORA, Ill. (STMW) – A 39-year-old Aurora woman was in critical condition Saturday, after police said her husband attacked her with a hammer as she slept last week.

The woman — who has not been identified by police — was reported in critical condition at a suburban hospital. Aurora police said the woman’s injuries may be life threatening.

Camilo Rivera, of the 400 block of Clark Street, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery in the attack.

Police and paramedics went to Rivera’s home at 2:07 a.m. Wednesday in response to a 911 call. Investigators determined that Rivera attacked his wife with a hammer while she was sleeping. She may have been hit more than once, police said.

The couple’s children were home at the time and were able to stop the attack, police said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)