Rebecca Park And Unborn Child Found Dead In Manistee National Forest; Mother And Stepfather Charged
Rebecca Park, 22, was found dead on November 25 in the Manistee National Forest in northern Michigan, nearly three weeks after being reported missing. Court documents filed in connection with the case provide details regarding the circumstances surrounding her death and the charges filed against family members.
According to newly filed court records, Park’s mother, Cortney Bartholomew, and stepfather, Bradly Bartholomew, are accused of multiple offenses, including first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, torture, conspiracy, unlawful imprisonment, and assault of a pregnant woman with intent to cause stillbirth. Authorities say both are being held without bond while the investigation continues.
Court documents allege that on November 3, Park was lured into the woods by the couple. The affidavit states that investigators found evidence indicating a fatal attack occurred in the forest, and that Park’s unborn child did not survive. According to the affidavit, Cortney Bartholomew allegedly admitted to investigators that she attempted to tie off the umbilical cord after removing the baby, and that Bradly Bartholomew then caused fatal injuries to Park.
The court documents further claim that Cortney Bartholomew told investigators that Bradly Bartholomew was the biological father of Park’s unborn child. Investigators allege that the couple discussed taking the baby from Park prior to the incident and that the infant did not survive.
Additionally, Park’s sister, Kimberly Park, 21, was arrested the day after Rebecca’s body was discovered. She faces charges including tampering with evidence, lying to police during a violent-crime investigation, and filing a false felony report. Authorities allege that Kimberly Park provided misleading information to investigators about the events surrounding her sister’s death.
Bradly Bartholomew is also reported to have previously been on a sex-offender registry and served a 180-day sentence related to a violation of that status, according to court records.
On the same day Rebecca Park’s remains were found, her fiancé, Richard Falor, 43, was arrested in an unrelated case and charged with distributing methamphetamine. Court records show he pleaded not guilty on December 2.
The investigation into Rebecca Park’s death remains ongoing. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances and evidence related to the charges against the Bartholomews and Kimberly Park as the case progresses through the legal system.
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