Details have surfaced regarding the brutal killing of a pregnant woman, whose disfigured body was discovered in a forested area, as confirmed by her family and law enforcement authorities.
Eight individuals are currently under legal scrutiny in connection to the demise of Erica Bader; among them, five are accused of both murder and abduction, while the remaining three face charges of kidnapping, conspiracy, and failure to report a death.
Crystal Smith, Erica’s stepmother, expressed her dismay in an interview with WJAR via lawandcrime.com, stating, “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 recovered in the woods of Pawtucket on October 27.
The suspects implicated in the murder are Andrew Cornell (28), Joshua Brunelle (35), Elizabeth Durand (41), Stephanie Bletzer (37), and Brittney Terpening (34). The other three individuals facing charges are Christopher Kordalewski (22), Joanne Miller (26), and Cheryl Blakely (36).
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera expressed her condolences to Erica’s loved ones, 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 revealed to WJAR that Erica had no prior acquaintance with her alleged assailants until she started residing with them in a dwelling in Central Falls. “They’re just random people,” Crystal remarked. “They were like total strangers to her.” The family disclosed that Erica had suffered abuse at the residence and attempted to leave but was coerced to stay by the suspects. “She tried to run away one time, she didn’t get far,” Crystal asserted. “They dragged her in, pulled her in that house and held her hostage, basically.”
Although authorities have 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.
A welfare check was conducted at the Central Falls residence where Erica resided in April, but she was not present. Subsequently, in early November, a search of the premises led to the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to unsanitary living conditions, as per local officials. “It’s sad for her to have been in a place where she couldn’t get away,” expressed Crystal. “I hope they never get out.”
This incident follows the tragic discovery of a deceased pregnant woman in a wooded area just days before her anticipated delivery, with authorities currently searching for her missing baby.
Rebecca Park vanished after leaving her mother’s home on the night of November 4, being 38 weeks pregnant at the time. Witnesses recounted seeing the 22-year-old entering a dark-colored vehicle outside her mother’s residence before disappearing without a trace.
Her abandoned phone was later found near her mother’s home. Weeks later, Rebecca’s body was located almost 50 miles away from her last known whereabouts. Regrettably, an autopsy revealed the absence of her unborn child. Law enforcement continues its search for the infant.
