New information has surfaced regarding the tragic killing of a pregnant woman, whose disfigured remains were discovered in a wooded area, as confirmed by her family and law enforcement authorities.
Eight individuals have been charged in connection to the death of Erica Bader; five are facing charges of murder and abduction, while the remaining three are charged with abduction, 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 took her life and the life of the unborn child… They should feel ashamed for their actions.” According to Erica’s relatives, the 24-year-old was assaulted, sexually violated, and murdered in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her body was later found in Pawtucket’s woodlands 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 other individuals involved are Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36.
Expressing her condolences, Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera remarked in a statement to local media outlets, “The tragic fate that befell Erica is deeply distressing and appalling. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all who cherished her. No family should endure such agony and sorrow.”
Crystal Smith added in the WJAR interview that Erica had no prior acquaintance with her alleged assailants until she began residing with them in a Central Falls residence. “They were complete strangers to her,” Crystal stated. The family claimed that Erica suffered abuse at the residence and attempted to leave but was coerced to stay by the suspects. “One time she tried to escape, but she was intercepted,” Crystal alleged. “They forcibly brought her back into the house and essentially held her captive.”
Although authorities have not disclosed the specifics of Bader’s demise, her family asserts that she was assaulted, sexually abused, and then murdered before being discarded in the woods.
A welfare check was conducted at the Central Falls residence where Erica was staying in April, but she was not present. Subsequently, a search of the premises in early November resulted in the removal of 46 cats and four dogs due to unsanitary living conditions, as reported by local officials. “It’s tragic that she was in a situation where she couldn’t escape,” Crystal lamented. “I hope they face severe consequences.”
This incident comes shortly after the discovery of a deceased pregnant woman in a wooded area, with authorities now seeking her missing infant.
Rebecca Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was last seen leaving her mother’s residence on the evening of November 4. Witnesses reported seeing the 22-year-old entering the passenger side of a dark-colored vehicle outside the property, after which all communication ceased.
Her phone was later discovered abandoned near her mother’s home. Weeks
