WARNING: This article contains distressing details.
The parents of a young pregnant woman have been accused of torturing her in a bid to remove her unborn child from the womb, resulting in both of their deaths.
Rebecca Park, 22, went missing on November 3, just weeks before she was due to give birth. Her body was discovered in the Manistee National Forest on November 25.
Highlights
- Rebecca Park, 22, was allegedly tortured and killed by her mother and stepfather in a brutal attempt to remove her unborn child.
- The Bartholomews lured Park to their home, then allegedly stabbed her in the stomach in northern Michigan, causing both of their deaths.
- Charges include first-degree murder, torture, unlawful imprisonment, and removal of a dead body against Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew.
Park’s biological mother, Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her stepfather, Bradly Bartholomew, 47, have now been charged with her murder.
Rebecca Park's body was found in late November
Image credits: FOX 2 Detroit
The pair allegedly concocted a sick scheme to lure Park to their home in Wexford County on November 3 when she was 38-weeks pregnant, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
The Detroit Free Press reported that when Park arrived at the home, the couple forced her into a car and took her to the woods in northern Michigan.
When they arrived, the pair allegedly forced Park to the ground and stabbed her in the stomach in an attempt to cut her baby out of her womb, as per the Detroit Free Press.
The horrific attack resulted in both of their deaths, and Park’s body was found weeks later after an extensive search.
Image credits: Missaukee County Sheriffs Office
At an arraignment hearing on December 2, Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey said, "This is, frankly, evil personified.”
It is understood that the body of Park’s baby was not with her when she was found by police and details on whether authorities have traced those remains are not clear.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel vowed to pursue justice for Park in a press release.
“Rebecca had everything to live for, and our hearts are with her loved ones as they endure this unthinkable loss,” Nessel said.
Image credits: Missaukee County Sheriffs Office
“We are committed to working alongside the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is pursued in this tragic case without delay.”
“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 added.
“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.”
The Bartholomews, who did not raise Park, have been charged with a list of offenses, including first-degree murder, felony murder, torture, conspiracy to commit torture, assault on a pregnant individual causing miscarriage/stillbirth, unlawful imprisonment, and removal of a dead body.
Prosecutors described the crimes against Park as evil personified
Image credits: Wexford County Sheriff's Office
Park’s sister, Kimberly Park, has also been charged in connection with the cause and is accused of providing false information to authorities.
According to the Detroit Free Press, she told investigators that Cortney Bartholomew made Bradly Bartholomew strike Rebecca Park "in the head causing a seizure and then took her body away.”
She was charged with tampering with evidence in a criminal case, lying to a police officer in violation of a crime investigation, and false report of a felony.
Bradly Bartholomew's estranged sister, Stacy Davis, was at the arraignment hearing Tuesday and struggled to walk after hearing the allegations, the Detroit Free Press reported.
She told the outlet that the Bartholomews wanted a baby but could not conceive one.
"I'm here for Rebecca and her baby. I'm not here for my brother,” Davis said.