CADILLAC, Mich. – A Northern Michigan couple appeared in court Tuesday facing life in prison after authorities say they lured their own daughter — 38 weeks pregnant — to their home, tortured her in a gruesome attempt to remove her unborn baby, and then disposed of her body in the Manistee National Forest.
Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her husband Bradly Bartholomew, 47, of Wexford County, were arraigned in 84th District Court on nine felony counts each, including two counts of first-degree murder and felony murder in the deaths of 22-year-old Rebecca Park and her viable unborn child.
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According to the Michigan State Police and Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, the Bartholomews invited Rebecca — Cortney’s biological daughter — to their rural home on November 3 under false pretenses. Once there, investigators allege the couple subjected her to prolonged torture in an attempt to forcibly extract the nearly full-term infant, ultimately causing the deaths of both mother and child.
Rebecca’s remains were discovered by searchers in the Manistee National Forest on November 25, more than three weeks after she was reported missing.
“This is one of the most disturbing cases our state has ever seen,” Attorney General Nessel said in a statement. “Rebecca had everything to live for, and our hearts are with her loved ones as they endure this unthinkable loss. We will pursue justice relentlessly.”
The Bartholomews are each charged with:
First-Degree Murder (life without parole)
Felony Murder (life without parole)
Torture (life)
Conspiracy to Commit Torture (life)
Assault on a Pregnant Individual Causing Death to Unborn Child (life)
Conspiracy to Commit Assault on a Pregnant Individual (life)
Unlawful Imprisonment (up to 15 years)
Removal/Concealment of a Dead Body
Both suspects were denied bond and remain lodged in the Wexford County Jail. A probable-cause conference has not yet been scheduled.
Investigators continue to ask for public assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the dedicated tip line at 231-306-2072 or the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office at 231-779-9216.
The case has sent shockwaves through the small communities of Wexford and Missaukee counties, where residents described Rebecca as a bright, kind young woman excitedly preparing to welcome her first child just days before her disappearance.
A GoFundMe organized by friends for funeral expenses and support for Rebecca’s surviving family has already surpassed $45,000.
Further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.