ELEPHANT BUTTE, New Mexico A massive state-federal investigation of a case with claims of kidnapping and sexual torture is closer to answers about whether homicide is involved, an FBI agent says. A dog trained to sniff out human remains roamed Thursday around a trailer where two women claimed they were chained and sexually tortured. ``We have not as yet located any bodies,'' FBI agent Doug Beldon said.

But he added: ``We are closer to knowing whether we have a homicide and how many.'' The investigation began last month when a woman fled the mobile home naked except for a padlocked metal collar and chain. A second woman later came forward and said she had been tortured at the home in February. David Parker Ray, 59, and Cynthia Lea Hendy, 39, face 25 charges, including kidnapping, aggravated battery and conspiracy.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 15. The defendants have said they are innocent. Scores of agents are investigating the case, which the FBI said has ties to Arizona, Texas and Mexico. (AP)