Mother and stepfather accused in the murder of pregnant Michigan woman Rebecca Park

Authorities report that two relatives planned a violent attack after studying their actions in advance. They lured a pregnant woman into their home, transported her in a car, and took her to a remote location in northern Michigan. There, they allegedly forced her to the ground, fatally stabbed her, and attempted to remove her unborn baby, resulting in the deaths of both the woman and her child.

The suspects, 40-year-old Cortney Bartholomew and 47-year-old Bradly Bartholomew, were identified by local media as the victim's biological mother and stepfather. They were formally charged on December 2 in Cadillac, Wexford County, with first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, torture in a place of confinement, conspiracy to commit torture, assault of a pregnant woman intending to cause miscarriage or stillbirth, conspiracy to commit that assault, unlawful imprisonment, and moving a dead body.

Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey described the case as "evil personified," confirming that the baby did not survive. No further details were immediately released following the arraignment. The prosecution is being conducted by Wexford County in coordination with the Michigan Attorney General's office.

An attorney for Cortney Bartholomew argued that she is disabled and should be eligible for reduced bond and home confinement. However, Judge Corey Wiggins denied bond for both defendants.

Rebecca Park, 22, was 38 weeks pregnant when she went missing on November 4. Her body was discovered on November 25 in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, though her baby was not found at that time.

Prosecutor Carey stated that the case demonstrates extreme brutality and disregard for human life. While these are allegations until proven in court, the evidence suggests extraordinary cruelty and violence, she said, adding that authorities will present the full details during the trial.

The small-town community of Wexford County has been shocked by the crime, particularly since investigators continued searching for the baby even after Parks body was found. Two additional family members, Parks sister Kimberly Park and her fianc Richard Falor, were previously charged in connection with the case. Kimberly allegedly misled police about the events leading to Park's death, while Falor faced drug-related charges and pleaded not guilty.

Dozens of supporters, identifying themselves as "Rebecca's voice," attended the arraignment, displaying messages demanding justice for Park and her unborn child. Many had actively searched for her before her body was discovered and protested at locations linked to the suspects.

Stacey Davis, the estranged sister of Bradly Bartholomew, said that the couple had desired a child but could not conceive, emphasizing that she was attending the proceedings in support of Rebecca and her baby, not her brother.

Author: Gavin Porter