[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
A significant development has emerged in the murder investigation of Rebecca Park.
The 22-year-old, who was approximately 38 weeks pregnant, disappeared on November 3 after visiting her mother, Cortney Bartholomew, in Boon Township, Michigan. Her fiancé, Richard Falor, reported that she entered a dark-colored car at her mother’s residence around 11:30 p.m. and was not seen or heard from again.
Discovery and Arrests
After a three-week search, Rebecca’s biological father discovered a body matching her description in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. An autopsy confirmed the remains were Rebecca’s, and notably, her baby was not present at the scene.
Authorities arrested Cortney and her husband, Rebecca’s stepfather, Bradley Bartholomew, in connection with the murder. Prosecutor Johanna Carey stated that the couple fatally attacked Rebecca and removed her baby while she was alive. Both Rebecca and the baby did not survive. Carey described the crime in court as “evil personified.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Cortney and Bradley face charges including first-degree murder, felony murder, torture, conspiracy to commit torture, and assault on a pregnant individual causing miscarriage or stillbirth. They are also charged with unlawful imprisonment and removal of a dead body. Additionally, Rebecca’s sister, Kimberly Park, was arrested for tampering with evidence, lying to police, and filing a false report. Her fiancé faces charges related to methamphetamine distribution.
Family Affairs and Allegations
New details have surfaced regarding family dynamics. People obtained court documents revealing that both Kimberly and Cortney had affairs with Richard. Kimberly allegedly informed detectives of her relationship with Richard just before Rebecca’s body was discovered. She initially provided false information about Rebecca’s death, which led to charges against her.
Kimberly later claimed Richard confessed to killing Rebecca, but investigators found no evidence supporting this allegation. Instead, Cortney and Bradley were charged with the murder.
Complex Relationships
Cortney admitted to having an affair with Richard after he and Rebecca separated. She claimed she was considering leaving Bradley for Richard but eventually changed her mind. Richard allegedly reconciled with Rebecca later.
According to the affidavit, Cortney accused Richard of coming to her home intending harm to Bradley and allegedly assaulting her, resulting in a miscarriage.
Financial Motives and Misleading Communication
Authorities discovered that on the day Rebecca disappeared, Cortney sent her a photo of an $18,000 check, purportedly an inheritance, possibly luring her to visit. Text messages revealed Cortney falsely claimed to have given birth to a son who later died, contributing to her arrest alongside Bradley.
For further information on violence against women, visit OVW Resources.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, consider visiting RAINN Resources.
[Image via Missaukee County Sheriffs Office, Wexford County Sheriff’s Office, Rebecca Kay Falor/Facebook]
