Don Michael Bannon and his wife, Kim, were denied services from the Church of Scientology in October 2000 after neither would make changes to help solve their personal problems, a church official said.
On Friday, police said, Don Michael Bannon tried to have his estranged wife killed.
Kim Bannon, 38, who was beaten by two men who broke into her home in the North Riverside neighborhood, suffered multiple lacerations and a fractured skull early Friday. She remained at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus on Saturday.
Officials said her condition was classified for her protection. Police said Friday that she was in serious but stable condition.
Don Michael Bannon, 36, was booked into jail Friday night on charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He remained at the Sedgwick County jail on a $500,000 bond Saturday.
Police said they are still looking for the two men who attacked Kim Bannon. Authorities have not said how they think Don Michael Bannon is connected to the attack.
The Bannons had sought help from the Church of Scientology in Kansas City after unsuccessful sessions with the Wichita branch, said Bennette Seaman, director of special affairs in the church's Kansas City branch.
Seaman said she couldn't release the details about the problems the Bannons were having but that it involved ethical issues. She said they sought marital help at one time.
"Occasionally you have situations of individuals that will not handle the issues in their lives," she said. "Unfortunately, that appears to be the case. We're just horrified that their situation escalated to the degree it is now."
The couple were denied the services of the church in 2000, which means that since then they have not been to participate in counseling sessions and courses regularly offered to parishioners, Seaman said.
The Bannons have been married for six years, according to their personal Web pages through the www.scientology.org Web site.
The personal Web sites may be up to 2 years old, said Nick Havel, Wichita executive director of the church.
Posted on Don Michael Bannon's page is information about his success with Scientology:
"I'm more productive and happier than ever before. I went from a guy who wanted things to happen, to making it happen, and with conviction. Scientology saved my marriage, enabled me to handle everyday problems and become a leader who can help other people."
Bannon has worked as a stylist in Wichita since he graduated from Wichita's Xenon International School of Hair Design in 1994.
He owns the Don Michael Bannon Salon at 112 E. Second St. He had planned to move to Eaton Place at 108 S. St. Francis St. early this month, according to published reports.
Relatives of Bannon declined to comment Saturday.