After further investigation by Hot Springs police, an additional charge of attempted murder has been filed against a Malvern man arrested last week after the alleged rape of a local woman at Hot Springs Mall.
Larry Lavall Jones, 36, who has remained in custody in lieu of $1 million bond since his arrest Sept. 22, was already charged with rape, punishable by up to life in prison, robbery, punishable by up to 20 years, and second-degree battery, punishable by up to six years, but HSPD detectives added an additional felony charge of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Jones made an initial appearance in Garland County District Court last week and is now set to appear again Nov. 4.
According to the affidavit, around 4:30 p.m., Hot Springs police detective Haynie was working off-duty at one of the stores in the mall when the store manager came into the business, distraught, and told him a woman, 67, was being attacked in the parking lot.
Haynie ran into the parking lot to the victim's vehicle and saw a black male, later identified as Jones, walking away from the car and detained him. He noted Jones was sweating profusely and had blood on his arm.
Haynie went over to the victim's vehicle and saw her lying across the driver and front passenger seat with several lacerations on her face and noted she was bleeding heavily.
The victim stated she couldn't move and was complaining of pain in her ribs, which were possibly broken. The detective also noted the victim's skirt was pulled up and her underwear had been ripped off.
About 15 feet from the victim's vehicle, Haynie noted there was a green 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup with the doors open, which was later determined to belong to Jones. He located the victim's purse, with cash, ID and checks in the driver's seat of the pickup.
Haynie later responded to a local hospital where the victim was being treated and spoke to her. She stated she was walking to her car when she noticed an unknown man following her.
She stated when she opened her car door, the man suddenly attacked her and forced her into the vehicle. She states he struck her in the face several times and then raped her.
The affidavit notes the victim was unable to give many details because of the severe trauma to her face and mouth from the assault.
In the affidavit for the additional charge, detective Haynie noted he interviewed the victim again on Saturday and she was able to give more details of the incident.
She stated the suspect, whom she didn't know, hit her from the side as she was getting in her car, took her purse and walked away. She said she was unable to move after being hit because of severe pain in her face.
Moments later, the suspect reportedly returned to her car and demanded more money and began hitting her in the face over and over. At that point, he ripped her clothing and began strangling her with both hands while screaming, "I'm going to f - - - - - - - kill you b - - - -!"
The victim said she went in and out of consciousness as the suspect raped her repeatedly while continuing to hit her in the face and strangle her. She noted she believed she was going to die and was unable to breathe for several minutes at a time during the attack.
The report notes the victim's face was swollen and bruised and both her eyes were swollen shut. Her neck was black and purple from bruising and so swollen that she was still having trouble talking, swallowing and breathing even several days later while talking with detectives.
Family members told police the victim sustained severe facial fractures in several places which may require extensive surgery to correct.
Local on 09/30/2014