The tragic case of missing Michigan woman Rebecca Park, 22, has taken a devastating turn as authorities arrested and charged her biological mother and stepfather in connection with her death. Rebecca, who was 39 weeks pregnant at the time, was found deceased in a forest weeks after her disappearance, leaving investigators deeply concerned for the fate of her unborn child.
Park’s remains were discovered on 25 November in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, located near her mother’s residence in Boon Township. The absence of her unborn baby at the scene has intensified the investigation, prompting a broader search and raising alarming questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Mother and Stepfather Face Multiple Serious Charges
The Michigan Department of Attorney General confirmed that Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband Brad Bartholomew, 47, were taken into custody on Tuesday. The couple faces several severe charges, including first-degree murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death. Additionally, Brad Bartholomew was served with a habitual-offender notice, which could result in a life sentence if convicted.
During a court appearance, prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey explained that the suspects allegedly lured Rebecca Park to their home, forcibly placed her into a vehicle, and transported her to a wooded area behind the residence. It is alleged that the assault occurred there before the suspects abandoned her body, prompting an intensive search effort by law enforcement and local authorities.
“This is, frankly, evil personified,” Carey stated during the arraignment at the 84th District Court in Wexford County. Both Cortney and Brad Bartholomew are being held without bail and have been forbidden from contacting each other while the investigation proceeds.
Half-Sister and Fiancé Also Arrested in Connection
On the same day, investigators widened the scope of the case by arresting Park’s half-sister, Kimberly Park, and her fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, a convicted sex offender. Kimberly Park faces charges of tampering with evidence, providing false statements to law enforcement during a violent-crime investigation, and filing a false felony report. Her bond was set at $750,000 cash.
Richard Lee Falor was charged with two counts of delivering methamphetamine. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment, and his bail was fixed at $1 million cash. The arrests of the half-sister and her fiancé add further complexity to an already harrowing case.
Conflicting Accounts and Search for the Baby
Prior to the discovery of Park’s body, family members provided conflicting information regarding her last known movements. Cortney Bartholomew initially claimed that she was the last person to see Rebecca after running errands, asserting that her daughter later left in a heavily-tinted black vehicle driven by an unknown individual. Detectives subsequently recovered Park’s mobile phone along a rough two-track path near the family home.
Family reports indicate that Rebecca visited a hospital the day before her disappearance, concerned she might be in early labor. Medical staff reportedly informed her that she was one centimeter dilated. Following this, her biological father joined search efforts, ultimately assisting law enforcement in locating her remains in the forest. The search for her unborn child remains ongoing, with authorities treating the case as an active and urgent investigation.
Prosecutor Johanna Carey emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: “This case involves a truly horrific homicide in which a young woman and her unborn child endured unimaginable suffering. While these remain allegations until proven in court, the evidence reflects a disturbing level of callousness. We look forward to presenting the full facts in court.”
The community continues to grapple with the shocking developments, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Law enforcement has also indicated that they are exploring all avenues to locate Park’s missing baby and hold all responsible parties accountable for their alleged actions.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Michigan and beyond, with neighbors and advocacy groups calling for justice and expressing concern over the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals in domestic settings. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by investigators in cases involving family-related homicides and the protection of unborn children in high-risk situations.