The Victim’s Family Speaks Out
The family of the victim claims she was pregnant and unfamiliar with her alleged attackers until she moved in with them. When she attempted to leave, they reportedly forced her back and held her captive.
Pictured: (Top Row L-R) Cheryl Blakey, Stephanie Bletzer, Joshua Brunelle, Andrew Cornell (Bottom Row L-R) Elizabeth Durand, Christopher Kordalewski, Joanne Miller, Brittney Terpenin (Center) Erica Bader
A 24-year-old woman was found deceased in Rhode Island, leading to charges against eight individuals. Authorities discovered Erica Bader’s body in Pawtucket woods on October 27, as reported by The Boston Globe, NBC affiliate WJAR, and Law&Crime.
Five of the individuals face murder charges, while three are charged with failing to report a death. All eight are accused of kidnapping and conspiracy, according to the Globe. They were arraigned on November 25.
Initially, six people were arrested for not reporting a death. Brittney Terpening, 34, was also charged with felony domestic assault and was Bader’s roommate, according to court documents. The others arrested were Christopher Kordalewski, 22, Joshua Brunelle, 35, Elizabeth Durand, 41, Stephanie Bletzer, 37, and Andrew Cornell, 28.
Following further investigation, charges for Terpening, Brunelle, Durand, Bletzer, and Cornell were elevated to murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy. They remain in custody without bail, with a court date set for December 2, as reported by WJAR.
Kordalewski’s charges of failing to report a death remained, along with kidnapping and conspiracy. Joanne Miller, 26, and Cheryl Blakely, 36, were also arrested with similar charges. They have been granted $30,000 surety bail, with a court date on February 23, according to CBS affiliate WPRI.
“These arrests are the result of a comprehensive investigation by our detectives and partners in Pawtucket,” stated Central Falls Police Chief Colonel Anthony Roberson to the Globe.
Pawtucket Police involved Central Falls authorities after determining Bader’s body was moved from a residence in Central Falls to the woods.
During the investigation of Bader’s residence on Central Street, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) rescued 50 abandoned animals from the home, which was in poor condition. They removed four dogs and 46 cats, including two pregnant ones, as reported by WJAR.
RISPCA President Wayne Kezirian stated, “These animals were without food and water, and the place was covered in feces and smelled of ammonia. It’s common for people to become overwhelmed in such situations.”
Police have not released specific details about Bader’s death, citing the ongoing investigation. However, her aunt alleged to the Globe that she was attacked and raped, with family members providing further details to WJAR.
According to Bader’s stepmother, Crystal Smith, she lived with some of those charged in her death, having not known them previously. “They were strangers to her,” she told the news station.
Outside the courtroom, Smith explained that Bader was homeless and had to move in with Terpening, as she had no other options. “She needed to be off the streets,” Smith said to WPRI.
Smith claimed Bader faced abuse and attempted to escape. “She tried to run away, but they dragged her back and held her hostage,” Smith alleged.
ABC affiliate WCVB reported that a family member requested a well-being check on Bader in April but was advised to file a missing persons report, which was never done.
“The City of Central Falls stands with our residents,” stated Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivere. “Our police department is working tirelessly to ensure justice for this tragedy.”
Bader’s family claims she was pregnant at the time of her death, with her aunt Stephanie Bender telling WJAR, “They killed her while she was pregnant, and we only found out later.”
“They killed her and the baby, and they should be ashamed,” Smith added. “I’m glad they’re in custody, and I hope they never get out.”
“What happened to Erica is heartbreaking,” Mayor Rivera said. “My condolences go to her family and friends.”
