Details have surfaced regarding the gruesome killing of a pregnant woman, whose mutilated remains were discovered in a wooded area, as confirmed by her family and law enforcement authorities.
Eight individuals are currently facing charges in connection to the death of Erica Bader; five of them are accused of murder and kidnapping, while the other 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 dismay, 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 murdered in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her body was later found in the Pawtucket woods on October 27.
The suspects implicated in the murder have been identified as Andrew Cornell, 28; Joshua Brunelle, 35; Elizabeth Durand, 41; Stephanie Bletzer, 37; and Brittney Terpening, 34. The remaining individuals facing charges are Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36.
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera conveyed her condolences, stating, “What happened to Erica is absolutely heartbreaking and horrific. My deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, and all who cared for her. No family should have to endure such pain and sorrow.”
Crystal further disclosed that Erica was unfamiliar with her alleged assailants until she began residing with them in a Central Falls residence. The family asserts that Erica was subjected to abuse at the residence, attempted to leave, but was forcibly kept there by the suspects. Crystal claimed, “She tried to run away one time, she didn’t get far. They dragged her in, pulled her in that house and held her hostage, basically.”
Although the police have not released specifics on the manner of Bader’s death, her family alleges that she was assaulted, sexually abused, and then murdered before being discarded in the woods.
A welfare check carried out at the Central Falls residence where Erica resided in April did not locate her. A subsequent search of the property in early November led to the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to deplorable living conditions, as stated by local officials. Crystal expressed her sadness, stating, “It’s tragic for her to have been in a situation where she couldn’t escape. I hope they never see the light of day again.”
This incident follows the discovery of a deceased pregnant woman in a woodland just days before giving birth, with authorities now searching for the missing baby.
Rebecca Park was last seen leaving her mother’s house on the night of November 4, being 38 weeks pregnant at the time. Witnesses reported that the 22-year-old was observed entering a dark-colored vehicle outside the property and subsequently disappeared.
Her abandoned phone was found near her mother’s home, and weeks later, Rebecca’s body was discovered nearly 50 miles away from her last sighting. Sadly, an autopsy revealed that her baby was not with her when she was found. Police are actively pursuing leads to locate the missing infant.
