New information has surfaced regarding the brutal killing of a pregnant woman who was discovered dead in a wooded area, as reported by her family and law enforcement officials.
Currently, eight individuals are being charged in connection to the death of Erica Bader. Among them, five face charges of murder and kidnapping, while the remaining three are charged with kidnapping, conspiracy, and failure to report a death.
Crystal Smith, Erica’s stepmother, expressed her anguish 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 family, the 24-year-old was assaulted, raped, and murdered in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her body was later found in Pawtucket’s wooded area on October 27.
The individuals accused of murder have been identified as Andrew Cornell, 28; Joshua Brunelle, 35; Elizabeth Durand, 41; Stephanie Bletzer, 37; and Brittney Terpening, 34. The other suspects include Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36.
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera expressed her condolences, stating, “What happened to Erica is absolutely heartbreaking and horrific. My deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all who cared for her. No family should endure such pain or sorrow.”
Crystal further revealed to WJAR that Erica had no prior acquaintance with her alleged killers until she began residing with them in a Central Falls residence. “They’re just random people,” Crystal remarked. “They were total strangers to her.” The family disclosed that Erica had been mistreated at the residence and attempted to leave but was forcibly kept there by the suspects. “She tried to flee once, but didn’t get far,” Crystal claimed. “They dragged her back inside the house and essentially held her captive.”
Although police have not disclosed the specifics of Bader’s death, her family asserts that she was assaulted and sexually violated before being murdered and discarded in the woods.
Concerns arose after a welfare check was conducted at Erica’s Central Falls residence in April, revealing her absence. Subsequently, a search of the house in early November resulted in the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to unsanitary living conditions, according to local authorities. “It’s tragic that she was in a situation where she couldn’t escape,” Crystal lamented. “I hope they never see the outside again.”
In a related incident, a woman who was days away from giving birth was tragically discovered deceased in a woodland, with police now in pursuit of her missing baby.
Rebecca Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was last seen leaving her mother’s house on the evening of November 4. Witnesses observed the 22-year-old entering a dark-colored vehicle outside the property before vanishing without a trace.
Her abandoned phone was located near her mother’s home, and weeks later, Rebecca’s lifeless body was found nearly 50 miles away from her last known whereabouts. Regrettably, an autopsy revealed the absence of her unborn child. Authorities continue their search for the infant.