1 of 2 suspects sentenced in homicide case involving Champaign County woman reported missing

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — A man convicted for his role in the homicide case involving a missing Champaign County woman, who was later found dead in a wooded ravine, will spend three years in prison.

Rodney Rider, the co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence, obstructing justice and possessing criminal tools.

>> Couple indicted on charges connected to death of missing Champaign County woman

Rodney Rider, and his wife Valerie Rider, were involved in the death of Whitney Hostler, who was reported missing in October, but was later found in the ravine near Kiser Lake Road.

Valerie Rider was found guilty of murder, felonious assault, gross abuse of a corpse and possessing criminal tools for killing Hostler.

Valerie Rider will be sentenced next month.

Prosecutors previously said the Riders were the parents of a long-time boyfriend of Hostler, and they had a child together.

Cox Media Group