Details have surfaced regarding the brutal killing of a pregnant woman, whose disfigured body was discovered in a wooded area, as confirmed by her family and law enforcement officials.
Currently, eight individuals are facing charges in connection with the tragic death of Erica Bader. Among them, five have been accused of murder and kidnapping, while the remaining three are charged with kidnapping, conspiracy, and failure to report a death.
In an interview with WJAR, via lawandcrime.com, Erica’s stepmother, Crystal Smith, expressed her grief stating, “They killed her and the baby… They should be ashamed of themselves for what they’ve done.” According to Erica’s family, the 24-year-old was assaulted, sexually violated, and killed in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her remains were found in Pawtucket’s woods on October 27.
The individuals charged with murder have been identified as Andrew Cornell, aged 28; Joshua Brunelle, aged 35; Elizabeth Durand, aged 41; Stephanie Bletzer, aged 37; and Brittney Terpening, aged 34. The other suspects are Christopher Kordalewski, aged 22; Joanne Miller, aged 26; and Cheryl Blakely, aged 36.
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera expressed her condolences, stating, “What happened to Erica is absolutely heartbreaking and horrific. My deepest condolences go to her family, her friends, and everyone who loved her. No family should ever experience this kind of pain or heartbreak.”
Crystal further disclosed to WJAR that Erica had no prior acquaintance with her alleged perpetrators until she began residing with them in Central Falls. Describing them as complete strangers, Crystal mentioned that Erica was subjected to abuse in the house and attempted to leave but was forcibly detained by the suspects. “She tried to run away one time, she didn’t get far,” Crystal claimed. “They dragged her in, pulled her in that house and held her hostage, basically.”
Although the police have not divulged the specifics of Bader’s death, her family asserts that she was assaulted, sexually abused, and then murdered before being abandoned in the woods.
A welfare check was conducted at the Central Falls residence where Erica was staying in April, but she was not present. In early November, a search of the property resulted in the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to poor living conditions, as per local authorities. Crystal lamented, “It’s sad for her to have been in a place where she couldn’t get away. I hope they never get out.”
This incident follows the tragic discovery of a woman, just days away from giving birth, found deceased in a wooded area, prompting a search for her missing baby.
Rebecca Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was last seen leaving her mother’s house on the night of November 4. Witnesses reported seeing the 22-year-old entering a dark-colored vehicle outside the residence, after which all communication ceased.
Her abandoned phone was later found near her mother’s residence. Weeks later, Rebecca’s body was located nearly 50 miles from her last known whereabouts. Regrettably, an autopsy revealed the absence of her baby. Authorities continue to search for the infant.