CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — UPDATE @ 7 PM:
A Champaign County woman’s family is looking for answers after her tragic death.
Whitney Hostler’s family described her as a hard work and someone who was turning their life around.
“I can’t wrap my head around it," said Whitney’s mother Kimberly Long. "This was my youngest baby.”
Hostler had a two year old baby and was supposed to move into a new apartment the day she was killed, according to her family.
Her family says the two people suspected of killing Hostler are the parents of Hostler’s boyfriend, and she was living at their house at the time she was killed.
INTIAL:
The body of a missing Champaign County woman was discovered Thursday and two people have been arrested, including a woman on murder charges, according to the county’s sheriff’s office.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Sheriff’s office asks for public’s help in locating missing Champaign County woman
Whitney Hostler, 25, was reported missing Wednesday by family members. Hostler’s body was found in a wooded ravine near Kiser Lake Road later on Thursday, deputies said in a media release Friday.
A woman who found Hostler said she was wearing only pajamas, socks and her hands appeared bruised, according to a 911 call.
During the investigation into Hostler’s death, two people were arrested on charges, including murder, the sheriff’s office said. Valerie Rider, 52, of St. Paris, was arrested Friday on charges of murder, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, and three counts of possessing criminal tools, deputies said.
Rodney Rider Sr. 54, also of St. Paris, was arrested on charges of obstructing justice, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, and three counts of possessing criminal tools.
Both Riders were listed as inmate sin the Tri-County Jail, according to online jail records.
Valerie and Rodney’s arraignment on the charges in Champaign County Municipal Court has not been scheduled.