Grisly Discovery in Michigan Missing Woman Case
In a case that has deeply unsettled a community, search teams spent weeks looking for a missing pregnant woman from Michigan, ultimately ending their frantic efforts with a chilling discovery.
Rebecca Park, 22, was reported missing on November 4. At that time, she was around 38 weeks pregnant, as noted by the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office.
“The brutality and disregard for human life seen here is deeply disturbing,” a spokesperson stated.
After a prolonged search, Park’s body was found in the Manistee National Forest on November 25, but tragically, her baby was not found with her.
Courtney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband, Bradley Bartholomew, 47, allegedly lured Park to their Wexford County home, as revealed by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. Courtney is reportedly Park’s biological mother.
The couple is accused of torturing Park in a horrific attempt to remove her fetus, resulting in both her death and that of her unborn child.
“This is evil incarnate,” Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey stated at the arraignment. “These two planned it and conducted research.” She detailed that Bradley forced Rebecca into a car and drove her to a wooded area where they stabbed her and performed the gruesome act of cutting the baby out, ultimately leading to both of their deaths.
Carey emphasized that this incident represents “premeditated torture and murder.”
In a statement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed her horror, saying, “This is a truly horrific murder case in which a young woman and her unborn child endured unimaginable suffering.” Nessel also highlighted the “extraordinary level of callousness and violence” involved.
“Rebecca had everything to live for, and our hearts go out to her loved ones as they grapple with this tragic loss,” she added, pledging that they would pursue justice swiftly.
Courtney and Bradley Bartholomew have been arrested and face serious charges, including first-degree premeditated murder and torture. If convicted, the couple could face life behind bars, especially with Bradley’s history as a habitual offender making him subject to harsher penalties.
Currently, both suspects are being held without the option for bail.
In a rather strange twist, Courtney posted a video on Facebook just on the day Rebecca was due, claiming it was an alibi. The video shows her son stating that Courtney had given him medication the night before Rebecca went missing, which raises eyebrows about her involvement.
Rebecca’s adoptive mother, Stephanie Park, shared that she has been caring for Rebecca’s two young children while working through this tragedy.
Authorities are still trying to determine if Park’s baby’s remains have been found. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to reach out to the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 231-779-9216.
