The Rebecca Park murder case centers on the November 3, 2025 killing of a 22-year-old Wexford County, Michigan woman who was 38 weeks pregnant when her biological mother, Cortney Bartholomew, and stepfather, Bradly Bartholomew, allegedly lured her to their home, drove her into the woods, stabbed her, and cut the baby from her body. The infant did not survive. Both defendants are charged with first-degree murder, torture, and six other felonies, and both are being held without bond at the Missaukee County Jail. As of mid-2026, the case is paused pending a competency evaluation of Cortney Bartholomew, and no future court dates have been set.
What Happened on November 3, 2025
Rebecca Park was last seen on November 3, 2025 getting into a vehicle outside her biological mother’s house in Boon, Wexford County. She was reported missing the next day when the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office posted a notice on Facebook.1Detroit Free Press. Rebecca Park Wexford Found, Charges Up North
Prosecutors say Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew lured Rebecca to their home with the promise of an $18,000 inheritance check, forced her into another vehicle, drove her into the Manistee National Forest, stabbed her, and cut the baby from her body while she was still alive.2People. Rebecca Park Pregnant Murder, Stepfather, Baby, Affair3UpNorthLive. Court Hears Details in Murder, Torture of Pregnant Rebecca Park in Wexford County The couple then took the infant back to their home roughly two and a half miles away, attempted CPR, and after the baby died placed the body in a garbage bag inside a lunch cooler and threw it in the trash.4Patch. Rebecca Park’s Killers Placed Dead Baby in Lunch Cooler, Tossed in Trash
Volunteers began searching the national forest around November 14. On November 25, two women who had been following news coverage and social media posts about the case found Park’s body in a wooded area west of South 21½ Road in Boon. The body was covered with leaves, and they identified her by a tattoo above her eyebrow.5WJLA. Criminally Obsessed: Anne Emerson, Rebecca Park Sleuth Discovery Deputies later recovered her phone on a two-track road nearby.69&10 News. Court Documents Reveal Gruesome Details in Rebecca Park Murder Investigation
The Charges Against Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew
On December 2, 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that both defendants had been arraigned in the 84th District Court in Cadillac before Judge Corey Wiggins. Each faces eight counts:7Michigan Attorney General. Two Charged With Murder of Rebecca Park
- First-degree murder (life)
- Felony murder (life)
- Torture (life)
- Conspiracy to commit torture (life)
- Assault on a pregnant individual causing miscarriage or stillbirth (life)
- Conspiracy to commit assault on a pregnant individual causing miscarriage or stillbirth (life)
- Unlawful imprisonment (15-year felony)
- Removal of a dead body (1-year misdemeanor)
Bond was denied for both defendants, and they are being held at the Missaukee County Jail.8Detroit News. Bio Mom and Her Husband Charged in Murder of Pregnant Wexford County Woman Judge Wiggins prohibited any communication between the two while in custody. Bradly Bartholomew, 47, was designated a habitual offender at arraignment, classified as a fourth-time offender based on prior convictions that include third-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2011 and multiple failures to comply with Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act.99&10 News. Bartholomews Had Numerous Run-Ins With Law Enforcement Prior to Rebecca Park Case
The Alleged Motive
According to a court affidavit, Bradly Bartholomew told investigators that his wife “masterminded the operation” and was motivated by a desire for children. He said the couple could not legally adopt because he is a registered sex offender.2People. Rebecca Park Pregnant Murder, Stepfather, Baby, Affair Cortney allegedly told investigators that months before the murder, Bradly had stated his intention to cut Rebecca’s child from her body. Investigators described the killing as a “case of premeditated torture and murder” in which the suspects “created a plan” and “conducted research.” Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey called the crime “evil personified.”
Before the killing, Cortney had already sent text messages to her sister claiming she had given birth to a baby receiving treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit. She later texted that the baby had died.10People. Rebecca Park Mother Cut Out Pregnant Daughter’s Baby After Murder
What Happened to Rebecca’s Sister
Rebecca’s sister, Kimberly Park, 21, was arrested on November 25, 2025 and charged with tampering with evidence, lying to a police officer, and filing a false report of a felony.11Court TV. Charges Dropped Against Sister in Rebecca Park’s Murder Case Court documents show she gave investigators multiple conflicting accounts. She first claimed the Bartholomews struck Rebecca in the head and caused a fatal seizure. After investigators learned Kimberly was in a romantic relationship with Rebecca’s fiancé, Richard Falor, she changed her story and told detectives that Falor had confessed to killing Rebecca, saying “something went wrong while trying to cut the baby out.”12WOWT. Sister of Pregnant Woman Killed Admits Affair With Fiancé, Tells Authorities He Killed Victim
Falor has not been charged with any crime connected to the murder and is not considered a suspect. He declined a police interview by invoking his right to an attorney.13People. Rebecca Park Killing: Fiancé, Sister Affair, Richard Falor Alleged Confession
Kimberly’s bond, initially set at $750,000, was later reduced to $5,000, and she was placed on house arrest with electronic monitoring. In May 2026, all charges against her were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors can refile.149&10 News. Criminal Charges Dropped Against Kimberly Park Without Prejudice in Wexford County The Michigan Attorney General’s Office said the decision was guided by the “pursuit of justice” but did not say whether Kimberly had agreed to cooperate with the prosecution.
Where the Case Stands Now
In January 2026, defense attorneys moved to dismiss the case, arguing prosecutors had failed to turn over required discovery, including police reports, autopsy results, and physical evidence, within the 21-day window. They also asked for bond. The judge denied both requests.15KVAL. Defense Seeks Dismissal in Rebecca Park Murder Case Citing Lack of Evidence Disclosure
In May 2026, Judge Wiggins held a competency hearing for Cortney Bartholomew to determine whether she is fit to stand trial. He closed the courtroom and sealed the records.16People. Rebecca Park Murder: Mom Accused of Cutting Out Daughter’s Baby Due in Court After the hearing he placed the entire case on hold, saying it would remain paused until all requested information had been received. No future court dates have been scheduled, and both defendants remain incarcerated without bond.17UpNorthLive. Judge Keeps Bartholomew Case on Hold After Closed Competency Hearing in Rebecca Park Death