by Boon, Michigan — A Michigan couple stands accused of murdering their pregnant daughter and allegedly cutting her unborn child from her womb, according to newly released court documents. Authorities say the couple then placed the baby in a blue lunch cooler and disposed of it in the trash.
Victim Identified as Rebecca Park
The victim, Rebecca Park, 22, was 38 weeks pregnant when she went missing on November 3. Her disappearance prompted a large-scale search in Wexford County, and her body was eventually recovered on November 25 in Manistee National Forest, near Boon, Michigan. Authorities confirmed that the baby’s body was not found with Park.
Suspects: Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew
Investigators have charged Cortney Bartholomew, 40, Park’s biological mother, and Bradly Bartholomew, 47, her stepfather, with multiple counts, including:
- First-degree premeditated murder
- Felony murder
- Torture
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Conspiracy
- Assault of a pregnant woman with intent to cause miscarriage or stillbirth
- Moving a dead body
Court documents allege that the couple lured Park to their home in Boon on November 3, then drove her into the woods behind the house, where she was allegedly stabbed to death. They are accused of removing her baby from the womb with a hunting knife.
According to affidavits, the couple gave shifting accounts to investigators, at times blaming each other or other individuals for the killings.
Details from Probable Cause Affidavits
Text messages cited in the affidavits indicate that Cortney Bartholomew told her sister days before Park’s disappearance that she had given birth to a premature baby boy named Ashton Lee Bartholomew. On November 3, the day of the alleged murder, Cortney claimed the baby had died.
Cortney later partially admitted involvement, telling investigators her husband carried out the killing and returned the baby to their home. She alleged that she tried to save the child but was unsuccessful. Bradly Bartholomew told authorities that his wife initially placed the baby in a garbage bag, then into the cooler, before it was discarded.
Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey told the court on December 2 that the couple researched how to carry out the killing and planned it beforehand. Both suspects offered contradictory explanations for the motive, with Cortney blaming Bradly’s desire for revenge against Park’s fiancé, while Bradly suggested Cortney’s jealousy drove her actions.
Family Statements and Investigation
Stephanie Park, Rebecca’s adoptive mother, said her daughter was lured to the home under the pretense of inheritance money. Investigators said the couple repeatedly accused various people, including Park’s fiancé, before eventually admitting involvement.
Phone data contradicted Bradly Bartholomew’s initial claims of not being home, further supporting the prosecution’s case.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Both Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew are in custody as prosecutors continue to gather evidence and prepare for trial. Authorities have described the killings as premeditated and particularly heinous, emphasizing the extreme nature of the alleged acts.
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