Couple Arrested in Rape, Attempted Murder on Long Island

After the sexual assault, the suspects allegedly placed a plastic bag around the woman's head, tied her hands and feet and dumped her body into a wooded area

A man and his girlfriend have been arrested in connection with the rape and attempted murder of a 46-year-old woman on Long Island and police are still looking for a third suspect, officials say.

Detectives say the victim met a male friend in Hempstead May 5 and he took her to visit his friends at a home on Brookside Drive in Roosevelt. After dropping off the victim, the male friend left the house, leaving her alone with three suspects.

A short time later, detectives say the suspects accused the victim of owing them money. When she said she didn't have any, authorities say the suspects severely beat her, raped her and stole her handbag and cell phone.

The suspects then placed a plastic bag around the woman's head, tied her hands and feet and dumped her body into a wooded area behind Henry Street, detectives say.

The victim was able to free herself from the plastic bag and scream for help. She was taken to a local hospital. 

Police arrested 53-year-old Kenneth Bass and his girlfriend, 37-year-old Julia Lopez, on Tuesday in connection with the attack. The third suspect remains at large.

The two in custody are both charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, rape, criminal sexual act, assault and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

They are scheduled to be arraigned later Wednesday. Information on attorneys wasn't available.

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