DA not commenting on dropping of attempted murder charges in jump rope case

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Attempted murder and kidnapping charges were dropped against a Northampton couple last week.

The incident happened on July 19, when police said two people attempted to hang a nine year-old with a jump rope ; after the girl was left unsupervised outside the Cutchins Program , which serves young children and teens with behavioral problems.

Last Wednesday, a grand jury did not find enough evidence to indict Lance Gouvan and Megan Bonny on attempted murder and kidnapping charges, but the grand jury did return indictments for assault and battery.

The outcome has angered some area residents, like Cheryl Burns of Ludlow.

“First of all, those charges should've never been dropped. This is a poor little innocent young girl, she has a say in this, too. As a parent I would be appalled, I really would,” Burns said.

The District Attorney's office says they cannot comment on the findings of the grand jury, citing the fact that it's a private process not open to the public.

Because of the change, Gouvan has been released from custody and will remain on house arrest until a pre-trial conference September 28. Bonny was released on $2,500 bail in July.