2 arrested in connection with the death, 1 facing murder charge
Deputies of the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office report a missing 25-year-old Champaign County woman was found dead Thursday, and two St. Paris residents have been arrested in connection with her death, with one of the defendants facing a murder charge.
Thursday, deputies located the body of Whitney Hostler in a wooded ravine near Kiser Lake Road, as stated in a media release.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into the death of Ms. Hostler, and Friday arrested Rodney Rider Sr., 54, and Valerie Rider, 52, both of 4078 Walnut St., St. Paris.
Valerie Rider was charged with the following offenses in the Champaign County Municipal Court: murder, third-degree felony county of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony county of tampering with evidence; gross abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony; and three counts of possession of criminal tools, fifth-degree felonies.
Rodney Rider Sr. was charged with the following offenses in the Champaign County Municipal Court: two counts of obstructing justice, third-degree felonies; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; gross abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony; and three counts of possession of criminal tools, fifth-degree felonies.
In a missing person report released Thursday, Champaign County deputies said Hostetler left a residence in Western Champaign County Wednesday and had not been in contact with family or friends since 6 p.m. Wednesday. Her family became concerned for her well-being after she missed a scheduled appointment.
The defendants are expected to be arraigned in the Champaign County Municipal Court in Urbana at a time yet to be determined by the clerks.