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NJ Minister Pleads Not Guilty To Attempted Murder

PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A northern New Jersey pastor accused of stabbing another preacher has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The Record newspaper reported that the Rev. Edward Fairley of Paterson was arraigned Friday in state court. The judge set bail at $1 million and sent the case to a grand jury.

Authorities said the 59-year-old Fairley stormed into a home and stabbed the Rev. Simone Shields in the face and torso while she was getting her hair done.

Authorities said they found Fairley on the street, soaked in blood with the knife in his hand. The 52-year-old Shields was hospitalized for her wounds.

Police said that at some point the two ministers were in a relationship. He is married; she is not.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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