Details have surfaced regarding the brutal killing of a pregnant woman, whose disfigured body was discovered in a wooded area, as disclosed by her family and law enforcement.
A total of eight individuals are now facing legal charges in connection to the demise of Erica Bader: five have been accused of murder and abduction, while the remaining three are charged with abduction, conspiracy, and failure to report a death.
Speaking to WJAR via lawandcrime.com, Erica’s stepmother, Crystal Smith, expressed, “They killed her and the baby… They should be ashamed of themselves for what they’ve done.” According to Erica’s relatives, the 24-year-old was assaulted, sexually violated, and murdered in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her lifeless body was located in Pawtucket’s woods on October 27.
The accused individuals charged with murder have been named as Andrew Cornell, 28; Joshua Brunelle, 35; Elizabeth Durand, 41; Stephanie Bletzer, 37; and Brittney Terpening, 34. The other suspects are Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36.
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera conveyed her sentiments, 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 added during the interview that Erica had no prior acquaintance with her alleged assailants until she began residing with them in a Central Falls residence. “They’re just random people,” Crystal remarked. “They were like total strangers to her.” The family shared that Erica had suffered abuse in the home and attempted to leave but was coerced to remain 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 law enforcement has not disclosed the specifics of Bader’s demise, her family asserts that she was assaulted and sexually abused before being killed and discarded in the woods.
In April, a welfare check was conducted at the Central Falls residence where Erica was staying, but she was not present. In early November, a search of the dwelling led to the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to unsuitable living conditions, as per local authorities. “It’s sad for her to have been in a place where she couldn’t get away,” Crystal lamented. “I hope they never get out.”
The incident follows the tragic discovery of a woman who was days away from childbirth found deceased in a forest, with authorities now seeking her missing infant.
Rebecca Park vanished after leaving her mother’s house on the night of November 4, when she was 38 weeks pregnant. Witnesses recalled seeing the 22-year-old entering a dark-colored vehicle outside the property. Subsequently, all communication ceased.
Her abandoned phone was discovered near her mother’s residence. Several weeks later, Rebecca’s body was located nearly 50 miles from her last known whereabouts. Unfortunately, an autopsy confirmed that her baby was not with her upon discovery. Law enforcement continues to search for the infant.