Veteran Shot in Missouri During Facebook Marketplace Transaction

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who had survived a perilous mission abroad, was tragically shot dead in his Missouri home. According to police, this incident occurred while he was attempting to sell an iPhone on Facebook Marketplace. Reports indicate that in his final moments, he sent a heart-wrenching message to his family.

On the evening of January 18, police received calls about a shooting at a residence in Columbia around 8:15 p.m. Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was found shot in his home and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Details emerging from court documents suggest that Burke had arranged to sell his iPhone 15 Pro for $585. He had provided the buyer with his address, and just before the tragic event, one of the suspects texted him, stating, “I’m here.” Shortly afterward, a violent confrontation ensued, leading to Burke’s death.

Authorities have arrested three individuals: Alexis Bauman, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane, all aged 18, alongside a fourth suspect identified as a juvenile. According to a report, one of the suspects claimed he had set up the meeting under the guise of purchasing the phone.

Bauman recounted to investigators that he drove the group to Burke’s residence, while Crane and the juvenile entered the home. He later reported hearing gunshots from inside and saw the juvenile fleeing the scene. Traffic cameras later revealed the suspects’ vehicle moving towards a nearby Walmart.

Days after the incident, Burke’s stolen phone was found sold at a Walmart ecoATM, and surveillance footage captured Bauman and the juvenile selling cell phones at the same location. Notably, the day before Burke was killed, it’s reported that the juvenile had stolen another phone under similar pretexts and had made a threatening remark to a previous victim.

Charges against Bauman and Aust include second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. Crane and the juvenile face similar charges along with armed criminal action. All three 18-year-olds are currently being held without bail, while the juvenile is in a separate facility.

A longtime friend of Burke’s, Jerry Reifeis, shared a devastating detail about Burke’s final moments. He reached out to his mother and sister, texting them, “Hey, I’m dying, I love you.” Reifeis emphasized that it was typical of Burke to ensure those he cared about knew how he felt.

Before passing, reports indicate Burke had the presence of mind to call 911, providing a description of his assailant in a bid to assist authorities in bringing the culprits to justice. “He didn’t want to leave without sharing this information,” Raifeis noted, adding he was thankful for the quick police action in arresting the suspects.

Burke’s service to his country is notable—he held the rank of sergeant both during active duty and in the reserves, assisting in various missions including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was not only a soldier but also a community leader, founding the Oasis Church in Baghdad and pursuing charitable efforts to combat human trafficking and support for schools and churches in various countries.

Police are actively investigating this tragic incident. Anyone with information is urged to reach out to the Columbia Police Department or CrimeStoppers.