The missing Michigan woman case has taken a darker turn as the biological mother and stepfather of 22-year-old Rebecca Park were arrested and charged over her death.
The young woman, who was 39 weeks pregnant, was found dead in a forest weeks after she disappeared.
Officials discovered Park’s body on 25 November in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, close to her mother’s home in Boon Township. Her unborn baby was not found at the scene, deepening concerns for investigators.
Mother and Stepfather Face Severe Charges
A statement from the Michigan Department of Attorney General confirmed that Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband, Brad Bartholomew, 47, were arrested on Tuesday.
They face several charges, including first-degree murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death. Brad also received a habitual-offender notice that could lead to life imprisonment.
During a court appearance, prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey said the couple lured Park to their home before forcing her into a vehicle and driving her into a wooded area behind the house.
Prosecutors allege that the attack happened there before the suspects abandoned her body, sparking a widespread search.
“This is, frankly, evil personified,” Carey told the court during the arraignment held at the 84th District Court in Wexford County.
Both suspects are held without bail at the Wexford County Jail and are forbidden from contacting each other.
Half-Sister and Fiancé Also Arrested
The case widened on Tuesday when investigators detained Park’s half-sister, Kimberly Park, and her fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, a convicted sex offender.
Kimberly faces charges of tampering with evidence, lying to a police officer during a violent-crime investigation, and filing a false felony report. Her bond was set at $750,000 cash.
Falor was charged with two counts of delivering methamphetamine and could face life imprisonment if convicted. His bail was fixed at $1 million cash.
Conflicting Stories and Ongoing Search for Baby
Before Park’s body was found, relatives gave conflicting accounts of her last movements.
Cortney initially said she was the last to see her daughter after running errands and claimed Rebecca later left in a heavily-tinted black car driven by an unknown person.
Detectives later discovered Park’s mobile phone on a rough two-track path near the home.
Family members also said Park visited a hospital a day before her disappearance, fearing she was in early labour. Medical staff reportedly told her she was one centimetre dilated.
Her biological father later joined search teams and helped discover her remains in the forest.
Prosecutors say the investigation remains active, and the search for Park’s missing baby continues.
“This case involves a truly horrific homicide in which a young woman and her unborn child endured unimaginable suffering,” Carey said.
“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.”