🚨 Michigan Woman and Unborn Baby Killed – Mother & Stepfather Charged
Authorities say two family members devised a plan after conducting research, ultimately bringing 22-year-old Rebecca Park into their home, placing her into a vehicle, and taking her to a wooded area in northern Michigan. According to investigators, she was forced to the ground, stabbed, and her baby was removed from her womb, resulting in the deaths of both Park and her unborn child.
Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey outlined the allegations during the Dec. 2 arraignment of 40-year-old Cortney Bartholomew and 47-year-old Bradly Bartholomew in Cadillac. The pair, described by the Cadillac News as Park’s biological mother and stepfather, face charges including first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, torture in a place of confinement, conspiracy to commit torture, assault of a pregnant woman with intent to cause miscarriage or stillbirth, conspiracy to commit that assault, unlawful imprisonment, and moving a deceased body.
“This is, frankly, evil personified,” Carey stated.
She confirmed that Park’s unborn baby also did not survive. No further details were released following the arraignment. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office is assisting with the prosecution.
During court proceedings, Cortney Bartholomew’s attorney argued for a reduced bond due to disability and sought home confinement. Judge Corey Wiggins denied bond for both defendants.
Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on November 4. Her remains were discovered on November 25 in the Huron Manistee National Forest. Authorities reported that the baby was not found with her.
In a press release, Carey described the case as involving “a truly horrific homicide,” adding that Park and her unborn child endured “unimaginable suffering.” She emphasized that while the charges remain allegations until proven in court, the evidence indicates extreme violence and disregard for human life.
Two additional family members face related charges. Park’s sister, Kimberly Park, allegedly misled investigators by claiming that Cortney ordered Bradly to strike Rebecca in the head, causing a seizure, before removing her from the home. She now faces charges including evidence tampering, lying to police during a felony investigation, and filing a false report. Richard Falor, identified as Park’s fiancé, faces unrelated drug charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Dozens of community members known as “Rebecca’s voice” filled the courtroom during the arraignment. Many arrived in vehicles with messages such as “Say Their Names,” “Justice for Becca and Baby Park,” and “We are her voice.” Gasps and cries were heard as charges relating to the unborn baby were read aloud.
This same group played an active role during the search for Park, protesting outside the Bartholomews’ home on November 23 for nearly 12 hours and searching wooded areas before her remains were located. After the arraignment, many broke down in tears. Stacey Davis, Bradly Bartholomew’s estranged sister, said the defendants had wanted a baby but were unable to conceive, adding, “I’m here for Rebecca and her baby. I’m not here for my brother.”
Source: Detroit Free Press
