How mum, stepdad connived in killing of pregnant daughter

The biological mother and stepfather of a missing Michigan woman, Rebecca Park, have been arrested and charged in connection with her death, weeks after the 22-year-old, who was 39 weeks pregnant was found dead in a forest.

Park’s body was discovered on November 25 in the Huron-Manistee National Forest near her mother’s home in Boon Township, nearly three weeks after she was declared missing. Her unborn baby was not found at the scene.

According to a statement from the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Park’s mother, Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and her stepfather, Brad Bartholomew, 47, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with multiple offences, including first-degree murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death. Brad also faces a habitual-offender notice that could lead to life imprisonment.

Prosecuting attorney Johanna Carey told the court that the couple lured Park to their home before forcing her into a vehicle and driving her into a wooded area behind the residence. It was there, prosecutors allege, the attack took place. The suspects reportedly abandoned her body, triggering a weeks-long search.

“This is, frankly, evil personified,” Carey told the court during arraignment in Wexford County’s 84th District Court.

Both Cortney and Brad are being held without bail at Wexford County Jail and are barred from contacting each other.

The case expanded further on Tuesday when Park’s half-sister, Kimberly Park, and her fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, a convicted sex offender were also arrested.

Kimberly was charged with tampering with evidence, lying to a police officer during a violent-crime investigation, and filing a false felony report. Her bond was set at $750,000 cash.

Falor was charged with two counts of delivering methamphetamine and could also face life in prison if convicted. His bail was set at $1 million cash.

Before her body was found, family members had given conflicting accounts of Park’s last movements. Cortney had earlier told investigators she was the last to see Rebecca alive after running errands, claiming her daughter later left her home in a heavily-tinted black car driven by an unknown person.

Detectives later found Park’s cellphone on a rough two-track path near the home.

Family members also told investigators that Park had visited the hospital a day before she disappeared, fearing she was in early labour. She was reportedly one centimetre dilated.

Her biological father said he was part of the search team that eventually discovered her body in the forest.

Prosecutors say the investigation remains active and the search for Park’s missing baby continues.

“This case involves a truly horrific homicide in which a young woman and her unborn child endured unimaginable suffering,” Carey said. “While these remain allegations until proven in court, the evidence reflects a disturbing level of callousness. We look forward to presenting the full facts in court.”