Mother and Stepfather Charged in Shocking Murder of Pregnant Michigan Woman

The case of missing Michigan woman Rebecca Park, 22, has taken a horrifying turn as her biological mother and stepfather have been arrested in connection with her death. Park, who was 39 weeks pregnant, was found dead in the Huron-Manistee National Forest on November 25, weeks after she was reported missing. Her unborn baby was not found at the scene, heightening the seriousness of the investigation.

Mother and Stepfather Face Multiple Charges

According to the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband, Brad Bartholomew, 47, were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death. Brad also faces a habitual-offender enhancement, which could result in a life sentence.

During their court appearance, prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey revealed disturbing details, alleging that the couple lured Park to their home, forced her into a vehicle, and drove her into a wooded area behind the house. Prosecutors believe the attack occurred there before the suspects abandoned her body, prompting a massive search.

Carey described the crime as “evil personified” during the arraignment at the 84th District Court in Wexford County. Both suspects are being held without bond and are prohibited from contacting one another.

Half-Sister and Her Fiancé Also Arrested

The investigation expanded on Tuesday with the arrest of Park’s half-sister, Kimberly Park, and Kimberly’s fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, a convicted sex offender.

Kimberly is charged with tampering with evidence, lying to police during a violent crime investigation, and filing a false felony report. Her bond was set at $750,000 cash.
Falor faces two counts of delivering methamphetamine and could receive a life sentence if convicted. His bail was set at $1 million cash.

Conflicting Stories and Search for Missing Baby

Before her body was discovered, conflicting accounts from family members complicated the investigation. Cortney initially claimed she last saw Rebecca after running errands and suggested her daughter had left in a black vehicle driven by an unknown person.

Investigators later located Rebecca’s phone along a rough two-track path near the family home. It was also revealed that Rebecca had visited a hospital a day before her disappearance, believing she was in early labor. Medical staff confirmed she was one centimeter dilated.

Rebecca’s biological father joined search teams and helped discover her body in the forest.

Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active, with particular focus on locating Rebecca’s missing baby.

Carey stated: “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 case continues to shock and disturb the local community as more details emerge.

Source: gistreel