by Columbia, MO – A 42-year-old decorated U.S. Marine and missionary was fatally shot in his Columbia home during what police say was a Facebook Marketplace robbery scam orchestrated by a group of teenagers. Authorities have charged three 18-year-olds and a juvenile in connection with the crime, which also involved multiple phone thefts.
Incident Overview
Ryan Burke, who reportedly did missionary work in Uganda, agreed to meet Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane, Alexis Baumann, and an unnamed juvenile suspect at his residence on Ridgemont Court on Sunday under the pretense of selling his iPhone 15 Pro, valued at $585.
Police say the suspects coordinated the meeting through Facebook, with the juvenile texting Burke,
“I’m here,”
after arriving at his home with the others. Authorities allege that Crane and the juvenile went inside the house to steal the phone, while Baumann remained in her vehicle.
Timeline of Events
According to a probable cause affidavit, Baumann reported hearing three gunshots from inside the home. Crane and the juvenile ran out to her car, allegedly admitting to shooting Burke before fleeing the scene. Police say the suspects then sold the stolen phone at the ecoATM at the Conley Road Walmart.
“Hey, I’m dying and I love you,” Burke reportedly texted his mother and sister after being shot, according to family friend Jerry Reifeiss.
“He didn’t want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us here that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them.”
Burke was also able to call police from the scene, reporting that he had been shot during a fake phone sale.
Details from Officials
Police allege that the group had gone on a robbery spree before Burke’s death, targeting at least two other individuals for their phones. One victim reported the juvenile suspect threatening her:
“If you touch me I’ll shoot you,”
when she showed her phone to him. Surveillance footage and license plate cameras helped authorities track down Baumann’s car, leading to the arrests of all four suspects.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The four individuals—Aust, Crane, Baumann, and the unnamed juvenile—are charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action. All remain held without bond pending further court proceedings.
Authorities allege that the robbery-murder was premeditated, with the suspects bringing weapons into Burke’s home and targeting him deliberately. Police continue to investigate the full extent of the crimes, including the sequence of phone thefts and the alleged prior robberies.
Conclusion
The killing of Ryan Burke, a Marine and missionary, highlights the dangers of online scams turning deadly. Authorities continue to investigate the case and urge the public to remain vigilant when selling or purchasing items online.
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