WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Rebecca Kay Park, 22, disappeared in early November outside her biological mom’s Boon Township home. Since then, her family, friends, and the wider community have pressed for answers about her death and the whereabouts of her baby.
On Tuesday, arraignments in a packed Wexford County courtroom finally pushed the case forward.
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Rebecca’s biological mom, 40-year-old Cortney Marie Bartholomew was arraigned today and charged with premeditated homicide, homicide–felony murder, torture, conspiracy to commit torture, assault on a pregnant individual causing miscarriage or stillbirth, conspiracy to intentionally assault a pregnant individual causing miscarriage or stillbirth, unlawful imprisonment, and removal of dead bodies without consent. Her bond was denied even though her attorney argued that she is disabled.
Brad Bartholomew, Cortney’s husband, was charged with a long list of felonies, including homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, torture, conspiracy to commit torture, assault on a pregnant individual, conspiracy to assault a pregnant individual, unlawful imprisonment, and removing a dead body without consent. He is also charged as a habitual offender. Bond was also denied for him.
What happened?
According to the Detroit Free Press, authorities said that the two family members conducted research and crafted a plan before luring 22-year-old Rebecca Park into their home, driving her into the northern Michigan woods, forcing her to the ground and stabbing her as they cut her baby from her womb – killing both mother and child. This is what Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey said during their arraignments today, adding, “This is, frankly, evil personified.”
At this time, law enforcement has not confirmed the whereabouts of Rebecca’s baby or whether the infant was found near her body or elsewhere. Investigators have released no additional details about the location of the child, leaving a critical piece of the case still unanswered as the community waits for clarity.
Missing in early November.
At the time of her disappearance, Park was extremely close to giving birth – about 38 or 39 weeks pregnant. Her cell phone was later discovered discarded along a nearby two-track road.
Search parties launched immediately. For 21 days, authorities and community volunteers combed the area. Then, on November 25, a grim discovery: a body was found in the Manistee National Forest – close to where Rebecca was last seen alive. Officials later confirmed via autopsy that the remains were indeed Rebecca’s. The discovery of Rebecca’s body – and the fact she was near full term – has ignited widespread concern and interest in Michigan and beyond.
Arrests: Fiancé, Sister, Bio Mom and Stepfather all locked up.
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Late on November 30 and early in the morning of December 1, authorities arrested Rebecca’s biological mother, Courtney Bartholomew and her stepfather, Brad Bartholomew. Both were booked into the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office jail after law enforcement searched Cortney’s home and property. Both were originally scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, December 1 but the Wexford County prosecutor asked for a delay until today.
As reported earlier, on November 26, Rebecca’s fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, and her sister, Kimberly Park, were arraigned in Wexford County as well. Kimberly Park was arraigned on three charges: tampering with evidence in a criminal case, lying to a peace officer, and filing a false report of a felony. Falor was charged with two counts of delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), plus a notice of him being a habitual offender. Court record show a December 9 court date for both Falor and Kimberly Park for their preliminary hearings.
Help from the AG.
The Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution of this case with the assistance of the Department of Attorney General. “Rebecca had everything to live for, and our hearts are with her loved ones as they endure this unthinkable loss,” Michigan Attorney General Nessel said in a Tuesday evening press release. “We are committed to working alongside the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is pursued in this tragic case without delay.”
As the investigation barrels ahead, the case now involves what looks like at least three defendants, dozens of felony charges, and a community still reeling from the details emerging in court. With the case moving forward, more gruesome information will most likely surface about what happened in the final hours of Rebecca’s life. For now, Wexford County remains focused on one thing: securing justice for Rebecca and the baby who never had a chance.
