Michigan Tragedy: Pregnant Woman and Her Unborn Child Found Dead — Parents Charged
In a shocking and deeply disturbing case out of rural Michigan, a 22-year-old woman, Rebecca Park, and her unborn baby lost their lives under horrific circumstances. Authorities have formally charged her biological mother and step-father with multiple serious crimes, sending waves of shock, grief, and outrage through the community.
The Disappearance & Discovery
Rebecca Park was reportedly in the final stages of her pregnancy when she vanished on November 3, 2025. She was last seen entering a vehicle outside a home in Boon Township — the residence of her biological mother. Weeks passed while family, friends, and law enforcement searched for her. On November 25, her remains were discovered in a remote wooded area of the Manistee National Forest. The autopsy revealed a grim truth: Rebecca had been killed, and the baby she was carrying was no longer present in her womb.
Arrests and Charges
Following the grim discovery, investigators arrested her mother, Cortney Bartholomew, age 40, and step-father, Bradly Bartholomew, age 47. Prosecutors have filed an extensive list of charges against them, reflecting the gravity and brutality of the alleged crime. The charges include: first-degree murder, felony murder, torture, conspiracy to commit torture, assault on a pregnant individual (resulting in miscarriage or stillbirth), unlawful imprisonment, and improper handling/removal of a body. Many of these offenses carry potential life sentences. The court has denied bond, underscoring how serious the allegations are.
The Allegations — What Prosecutors Say Happened
According to the prosecution’s statement: the Bartholomews allegedly lured Rebecca to their home under deceptive circumstances. From there, she was forced into another vehicle and taken into a secluded forested area. Once there, she was reportedly stabbed, restrained, and subjected to violence. In what authorities describe as a horrific act, her unborn child was forcibly removed, resulting in the death of both mother and baby. Prosecutors have described the crime as “evil personified.”
Legal and Community Response
The case has drawn condemnation and deep sorrow locally and beyond. The state’s Attorney General and local prosecutors have pledged to pursue justice vigorously. Courtrooms have seen emotional attendance from those who participated in her search, and vehicles outside the courthouse have borne messages such as “Justice for Rebecca and Baby Park.” Public outrage reflects a collective demand for accountability and closure.
At this point, while charges are formally laid, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The investigation remains active, especially regarding the fate of the unborn child — authorities continue efforts to determine whether the baby survived and, if so, where it is.
Why This Case Resonates
This tragedy stands out not only for its brutality but also because it involves alleged violence against a pregnant woman by her own family. It underscores hard truths about vulnerabilities faced by expectant mothers, societal failures to protect them, and the dire consequences of betrayal and trust’s misuse.
Moreover, the case highlights the importance of swift legal action, transparent investigations, and community solidarity when confronting such egregious crimes. As the judicial process unfolds, many are watching closely — not just for justice for Rebecca and her child, but for broader lessons on safeguarding human dignity and life.
A Final Word
The loss of Rebecca Park and her unborn baby is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, and how quickly trust can be broken. As prosecutorial and investigative efforts proceed, the hope remains that justice will be served — and that this painful chapter will lead to stronger protections for the vulnerable, greater awareness around domestic violence, and a renewed commitment to human rights and accountability.
May this tragic story not be forgotten — and may its resolution bring some measure of solace for those who loved Rebecca, and a warning to anyone who might harm the innocent.
