CENTRAL FALLS, RHODE ISLAND – Eight people are facing serious criminal charges, including murder and kidnapping, following the discovery of a 24-year-old woman’s body in a wooded area. Police and family members say a pregnant woman was held hostage, sexually assaulted, and mutilated before her body was dumped in the woods.
The Arrests
The body of 24-year-old Erica Bader was discovered in a wooded area of Pawtucket on October 27. According to her family, Bader was pregnant at the time of her death. Her stepmother, Crystal Smith, told local reporters that the group responsible should be ashamed because "they killed her and the baby."
Authorities have charged five individuals with murder and kidnapping: Andrew Cornell, 28; Joshua Brunelle, 35; Elizabeth Durand, 41; Stephanie Bletzer, 37; and Brittney Terpening, 34. Three others—Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36—face charges of kidnapping, conspiracy, and failure to report a death.
Held Hostage by Strangers
The family revealed that Bader did not know the suspects well before she started staying at their home in Central Falls. Smith described them as "total strangers" to the victim. The situation allegedly turned into a nightmare when Bader tried to leave.
Smith claims that when Bader attempted to run away, the group dragged her back inside and held her hostage. Family members allege she was raped and tortured before being killed.
"Heartbreaking and Horrific"
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera released a statement calling the crime "absolutely heartbreaking and horrific." While police have not publicly confirmed the specific details of the mutilation described by the family, they have launched a massive investigation.
A search of the residence in early November revealed terrible living conditions. Authorities removed 46 cats and four dogs from the home. It remains unclear exactly when Bader was killed, as a welfare check conducted in April showed she was not at the residence at that time.
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