Mother of Two Found Dead in Wooded Area; Boyfriend and Uncle Arrested

What started as a missing persons report has now turned into a tragic homicide case that has rocked a tight-knit community. A 34-year-old mother of two, who vanished earlier this month, was found dead in a wooded area near Decatur, Illinois. Police say her boyfriend and his uncle have been arrested and charged in connection with her death.

The news has left her friends and family reeling, and the community is struggling to come to terms with the loss of a woman many describe as kind-hearted and devoted to her kids.

A Mother Disappears

Emily Strite was last seen by friends and family just days before Mother’s Day. When she didn’t return phone calls or respond to texts, her loved ones grew concerned. It wasn’t like her to disappear—especially without telling anyone where she was going, and especially not without checking on her kids.

“She loved those babies more than anything,” a longtime friend said. “She would never leave them unless something was terribly wrong.”

Her boyfriend, identified by police as 29-year-old Calvin Bell, was the one who initially told investigators she was missing. But as the search went on, his story reportedly began to unravel.

A Grim Discovery in the Woods

On April 15, police received a call from someone walking their dog near a wooded area who noticed what looked like a disturbed patch of ground. Officers arrived and soon discovered Emily’s body, partially buried.

Investigators said signs at the scene suggested foul play, and an autopsy later confirmed she had suffered blunt force trauma.

The location where she was found was roughly 10 miles from her home.

Police Zero In on Suspects

As detectives retraced Emily’s last known steps and gathered statements, they began to focus on her boyfriend, Bell, and his uncle, 49-year-old Marvin Bell. Officials say cellphone data, witness accounts, and surveillance footage linked the men to the area where Emily was found.

Both were taken into custody on Thursday. Calvin Bell has been charged with first-degree murder, while Marvin Bell faces charges of concealment of a homicide and obstruction of justice.

“These were deliberate, calculated actions,” the local police chief said at a press conference. “We’re committed to seeking full justice for Emily and her family.”

A Community in Mourning

News of Emily’s death has rippled through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for her two young children, who are now in the care of relatives. A vigil was held in her honor Friday night, with neighbors lighting candles and sharing memories.

“She was one of those people who always offered to help,” said a neighbor. “Whether it was babysitting or just showing up with coffee when someone was having a rough day.”

Friends say Emily had dreams of becoming a nurse and had recently been taking online courses. Her kids, ages 6 and 9, were her entire world.

Questions That Remain

Authorities have not released a possible motive, and the investigation is still ongoing. Court records show no prior history of domestic violence between Emily and her boyfriend, but detectives say they are continuing to dig into the couple’s past.

Meanwhile, both suspects remain behind bars without bond and are scheduled to appear in court later this week.

Police are asking anyone who may have had contact with Emily in the days before she went missing—or who may have seen suspicious activity near the wooded area—to come forward.

Remembering Emily

As the legal process moves forward, the community is turning its attention to supporting Emily’s children and preserving her memory. Friends are organizing a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and provide long-term care for the kids.

“She was a wonderful mom, a loyal friend, and someone who deserved so much more from life,” her sister said. “We just want to make sure her children feel how loved and supported they still are.”