Wexford County, Michigan – A Northern Michigan couple is now facing murder and torture charges after investigators say they carried out a brutal, premeditated attack on their pregnant daughter, cut her unborn child from her womb, and left her to die near a remote trail in the Manistee National Forest.
Authorities identified the victim as 22-year-old Rebecca Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant at the time of her death on Nov. 3. Her disappearance and the later discovery of her body launched one of the region’s most disturbing criminal investigations in recent history.
What Investigators Say Happened in the Woods
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local stations WPBN and WTOM, Park was lured to the woods by her mother, 40-year-old Cortney Bartholomew, and confronted by Cortney’s husband, 47-year-old Bradly Bartholomew.
As Park sat wounded on the ground with stab injuries to her back, her mother allegedly ordered her to lie down.
“Your baby is gonna die,” Cortney told her daughter, according to the affidavit.
Investigators say Bradly held a knife to Park’s throat while Cortney cut open her stomach and removed the baby boy, who was not breathing. Bradly then allegedly slit Park’s throat. In total, the victim suffered more than a dozen stab wounds.
Baby Removed, Mother Left Behind
The affidavit states that the couple carried the infant to their truck and tied Park’s body to the back of the vehicle before dragging her about 20 feet down a bank. They then covered her with leaves and drove home, where they reportedly attempted CPR on the infant.
When their efforts failed, police say Bradly placed the baby’s body in a cooler and later discarded it in a dumpster. The infant has still not been found.
Victim Reported Missing Before Shocking Discovery
Park was reported missing on Nov. 4, the day after the alleged attack. Searchers discovered her body on Nov. 25 near a hiking trail in Boon Township, roughly 2.5 miles from the Bartholomews’ home.
The wooded area where she was found sits about 35 miles south of Traverse City.
Suspects Arrested and Face Severe Charges
The Bartholomews were arrested on Dec. 1 and charged with murder, torture, conspiracy to commit torture, and assault on a pregnant person.
The nearly 20-page affidavit reveals that both initially denied involvement before turning blame on one another. Cortney reportedly claimed her husband admitted to killing Park, saying:
“I slit her f—ing throat, b— deserved it.”
She suggested revenge may have been a factor, claiming Park’s boyfriend had once reported Bradly for failing to register as a sex offender. Investigators told her that motive did not explain why the baby was cut from Park’s womb.
When confronted with additional evidence, Cortney allegedly admitted she helped lure her daughter into the truck and took part in the attack.
Bradly told investigators his wife wanted another baby to raise, and that this desire led to the violent plan.
Additional Arrests in the Case
Authorities also arrested Park’s fiancé, 43-year-old Richard Falor, and her sister, 21-year-old Kimberly Park, on unrelated drug and tampering charges in the days following the discovery of her body.
Falor is accused of delivering methamphetamine, while Kimberly faces charges including tampering with evidence, filing a false report, and lying to police. Both received high bond amounts and were considered flight risks.
During the proceedings, the judge removed livestream access, citing national media attention and the need to preserve fair trial conditions.
Prosecutors Call It “Premeditated Torture and Murder”
At a Dec. 2 bond hearing, Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey detailed the disturbing steps leading to Park’s death.
“This is a case of premeditated torture and murder,” Carey said. “These two individuals created a plan, conducted research… forced her into the woods where they stabbed her, forced her to lie on the ground while they cut her baby out, ultimately causing her death and the death of the baby.”
She added:
“This is frankly evil personified.”
Family Reeling as Motive Remains Unclear
Park’s adoptive mother said the family had feared the worst as search efforts unfolded.
“I’m heartbroken, crushed. I have to remain strong,” she told local reporters. She noted the devastation the case has caused among younger siblings who do not fully understand what has happened.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing their search for the infant’s remains and working to piece together a complete timeline of the events leading up to Park’s death.
The Bartholomews remain in custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
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