Two family members in Michigan have been charged in the death of a pregnant woman after authorities say she was lured to a home and brutally tortured in an alleged attempt to remove her unborn baby, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband, Bradly Bartholomew, 47, both of Boon, Michigan, were arraigned Tuesday in 84th District Court in Cadillac. They face multiple felony counts linked to the killing of 22-year-old Rebecca Park of Manton, Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.
Investigators allege that on Nov. 3, the couple persuaded Park — Cortney’s biological daughter, who was about 38 weeks pregnant — to come to their home in Wexford County in northern Michigan.
Once there, the pair allegedly tortured her while trying to remove the unborn child, leading to the deaths of both mother and baby, the attorney general’s office said. After an extensive search, Park’s remains were recovered in the Manistee National Forest on Nov. 25.
“Rebecca had everything to live for, and our hearts are with her loved ones as they endure this unthinkable loss,” Nessel said in a statement. She added that her office is working closely with the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to pursue justice in the case as swiftly as possible.
Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew have each been charged by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with first-degree murder, felony murder, torture and several additional offenses. If convicted, they could face life in prison.
“This case involves a truly horrific homicide in which a young woman and her unborn child endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of the Defendants,” Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey said. “The brutality and disregard for human life displayed here are deeply troubling. While these remain allegations until proven in court, the evidence reflects an extraordinary level of callousness and violence. We look forward to presenting the full facts in court.”
Authorities said the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is leading the prosecution, with assistance from the Department of Attorney General.
