Two Charged with Murder of Rebecca Park

LANSING – Today, Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and Bradly Bartholomew, 47, both of Boon, were arraigned before Judge Corey Wiggins in the 84th District Court in Cadillac on multiple felony charges related to the murder of Rebecca Park, 22, of Manton, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Cortney Bartholomew and Bradly Bartholomew have each been charged by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with: 

• One count of First-Degree Murder, a potential life sentence offense; 
• One count of Felony Murder, a potential life sentence offense; 
• One count of Torture, a potential life sentence offense; 
• One count of Conspiracy to Commit Torture, a potential life sentence offense; 
• One count of Assault on a Pregnant Individual Causing Miscarriage/Stillbirth, a potential life sentence offense; 
• One count of Conspiracy to Commit Assault on a Pregnant Individual Causing Miscarriage/Stillbirth, a potential life sentence offense; 
• One count of Unlawful Imprisonment, a 15-year felony; and
• One count of Removal of a Dead Body, a 1-year misdemeanor. 

“Rebecca had everything to live for, and our hearts are with her loved ones as they endure this unthinkable loss,” Nessel said. “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,” said Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey. “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.” 

It is alleged that on November 3, the couple lured Park – Cortney Bartholomew’s biological daughter, who was approximately 38 weeks pregnant at the time – to their Wexford County home. The couple then allegedly tortured Park in an attempt to remove the unborn infant, resulting in the death of both. After an extensive search, Park’s remains were found in the Manistee National Forest on November 25. 

The Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution of this case with the assistance of the Department of Attorney General. The Attorney General, Wexford County Prosecutor, and Wexford County Sheriff remind the public not to interfere with the ongoing investigation and to avoid all active investigation sites. 

Any individual who believes they have information to assist in the ongoing investigation may contact the tip line at 231-306-2072 or the Wexford County Sheriff’s Department at 231-779-9216. 

A probable cause conference has not yet been set.