In a tragic case unfolding in Rhode Island, eight individuals are facing serious charges, including murder and kidnapping, after the discovery of a pregnant woman’s mutilated body in a wooded area. Both her family and local authorities have confirmed the charges.

Crystal Smith, the stepmother of the victim, Erica Bader, expressed her anguish in an interview with local NBC affiliate WJAR, stating, “They killed her and the baby. They should be ashamed of themselves for what they’ve done.”

The family of Erica Bader alleges that she was brutally attacked, raped, and murdered in Central Falls by the group now charged in connection with her death, as reported by The Boston Globe. Of the eight charged, five face counts of murder and kidnapping, while the remaining three are charged with kidnapping, conspiracy, and failure to report a death. Bader’s body was discovered in Pawtucket on October 27.

The individuals charged with murder have been identified as Andrew Cornell, 28; Joshua Brunelle, 35; Elizabeth Durand, 41; Stephanie Bletzer, 37; and Brittney Terpening, 34. Facing other charges are Christopher Kordalewski, 22; Joanne Miller, 26; and Cheryl Blakely, 36.

“What happened to Erica is absolutely heartbreaking and horrific,” stated Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, reflecting the community’s sorrow and shock over the incident.

“My deepest condolences go to her family, her friends, and everyone who loved her,” Rivera said. “No family should ever experience this kind of pain or heartbreak.”

Bader’s stepmother told WJAR that Bader did not know her alleged killers until she started staying with them at a home in Central Falls. “They’re just random people,” Smith said. “They were like total strangers to her.”

The family says Bader had been abused at the home and tried to move out, but was forced to stay by the suspects. “She tried to run away one time, she didn’t get far,” Smith alleged. “They dragged her in, pulled her in that house and held her hostage, basically.”

Police have not shared details about how Bader was killed, but her family says she was attacked and sexually assaulted before being murdered and dumped in the woods.

“They killed her while she was pregnant,” the victim’s aunt, Stephanie Bender, told WJAR.

A welfare check was conducted at the home in Central Falls where Bader was staying in April, but she was not at the residence. It’s unclear when she was killed exactly. A search of the home in early November led to 46 cats and four dogs being removed due to bad living conditions, according to local officials.

“It’s sad for her to have been in a place where she couldn’t get away,” Smith said. “I hope they never get out.”