Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
An Ohio community has been left in shock after a woman who had been brutally murdered and found hanging from a fence was mistaken for a Halloween decoration.
Police in Chillicothe say life-long resident Rebecca Cade, 31, and boyfriend Donnie Cochenour Jr, 27, had a fight Tuesday night that became violent. Police Chief Keith Washburn told media Wednesday afternoon that Cade died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck.
Construction workers found her body, the next morning, hanging from a chain link fence ‘at the dead end of N. Brownell St.’
Neighbour Tamara Dixon said she was traumatized after witnessing the aftermath.
“Just put my hands over my face and said, ‘This can’t be happening here, it’s not real, and I just didn’t see what I thought I saw,'” she told WKRC.
Officials believe the murder weapon is a bloody rock found near the scene. Her attacker’s motive still remains unclear.
Tabitha Long used to live with Cade and told ABC affiliate WSYX that she had a learning disability and was an “easy target.”
“She was very gullible, very easily misled, as long as she thought you were her friend she would do just about anything for you,” Long explained.
“I was shocked, I mean, it is very heartbreaking because she was such a nice girl, I can’t fathom it, I don’t think it’s set in yet.”
Cochenour was later arrested and reportedly admitted his guilt to investigators. His bail has been set at $2 million (USD). Officials confirmed he had a prior history of arrests.
“This person is behind bars, locked up where he needs to be,” Chief Washburn said. “Hopefully taking him off the street will make this community a little bit safer. We need the public’s help, they need to be vigilant and watchful.”
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