Massachusetts

Man Accused of Rape in Lowell, Mass., Apartment Where Neighbor Found Dead Held Without Bail

The sex assault victim was able to escape the home to a neighbor's house for help once the suspect fell asleep, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office said

The man arrested for allegedly raping a Massachusetts woman and holding her against her will in the building where her neighbor was found dead faced a judge on Tuesday. 

Hoeup Honn, 38, was held without bail at his arraignment in Lowell District Court pending a hearing to determine whether he is a danger. Not guilty pleas to charges including aggravated rape and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury were entered on his behalf. Prosecutors say they anticipate filing a murder charge.

Honn is accused of breaking into a Lowell woman’s home at about 3 p.m. Monday. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said Honn attacked the first-floor tenant when he arrived at the building.

"I'm just lost for words," said Sam Sok, a friend of the deceased. "I'm just really sad for the family because he was a good family person."

Authorities say the woman arrived home and found the first-floor resident dead before she was allegedly taken against her will by Honn. After the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted her, the woman was able to escape to a neighbor’s house once Honn fell asleep.

Police arrested Honn without incident. 

The fatal victim was only identified by authorities as a man in his 50s. Family members, who mourned him outside the house and lit incense in his honor, told NBC10 Boston he had just moved into the building about a week ago.

An autopsy was underway for the deceased man. Authorities had not revealed his name and his cause of death is unclear.

Honn is due back in court the end of September. His court-appointed attorney declined comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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