Details have surfaced regarding the brutal killing of a pregnant woman, whose disfigured body was discovered in a forest, as confirmed by her family and law enforcement officials.
Eight individuals have been implicated in connection with Erica Bader’s death; five of them are facing charges of murder and abduction, while the other three are charged with abduction, conspiracy, and failure to report a death.
In an interview with WJAR through lawandcrime.com, Crystal Smith, Erica’s stepmother, expressed, “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 abused, and murdered in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her body was discovered in the Pawtucket woods on October 27.
The suspects accused of murder have been identified as Andrew Cornell, 28; Joshua Brunelle, 35; Elizabeth Durand, 41; Stephanie Bletzer, 37; and Brittney Terpening, 34. The remaining suspects are Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36.
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera expressed her sorrow in a statement to local media outlets, stating, “What happened to Erica is absolutely heartbreaking and horrific. My deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, and all those who cared for her. No family should have to endure such pain and sorrow.”
Crystal mentioned to WJAR that Erica was unfamiliar with her alleged assailants until she began residing with them in a Central Falls residence. “They’re just random people,” Crystal stated. “They were like total strangers to her.” The family disclosed that Erica had suffered abuse at the house and attempted to leave, but was coerced to remain by the suspects. “She tried to escape once, but didn’t get far,” alleged Crystal. “They forcibly took her back into the house and held her captive, essentially.”
Although the police have not disclosed specifics about Bader’s cause of death, her family asserts that she was assaulted and sexually violated before being murdered and discarded in the forest.
A welfare check was conducted at the Central Falls residence where Erica had been staying in April, but she was not present. A subsequent search of the residence in early November resulted in the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to poor living conditions, as per local authorities. “It’s tragic that she was in a place where she couldn’t escape,” remarked Crystal. “I hope they are never released.”
This incident follows the discovery of a deceased pregnant woman in a forest, just days before she was due to give birth, with authorities now seeking her missing baby.
Rebecca Park was last seen leaving her mother’s home on the night of November 4, when she was 38 weeks pregnant. Witnesses reported that the 22-year-old was seen entering the passenger side of a dark-colored vehicle outside the property before disappearing without a trace.
Her phone was later found abandoned near her mother’s residence. Several weeks later, Rebecca’s body was located nearly 50 miles away from her last sighting. Tragically, an autopsy revealed that her baby was not with her at the time of discovery. Law enforcement officials continue their search for the infant.