A woman from Wexford County, Michigan, has pleaded for release from jail as she faces serious charges related to the abduction and murder of her daughter and granddaughter. Cortney Bartholomew, 40, from Boon Township, is accused of collaborating with her husband, Bradly Alan Bartholomew, 47, in this heinous crime.
Background of the Case
During a hearing on December 3, Bartholomew and her public defender, Robert Haertel, requested that 84th District Judge Corey J. Wiggins consider granting her bond. On December 2, Judge Wiggins ordered both Cortney and Bradly to be held without bond.
Cortney cited health issues and her responsibility as the primary caregiver for her 14-year-old son as reasons for her release. “I just need to be able to take care of him,” she stated, appearing in a wheelchair. She also indicated her willingness to assist the prosecution against her husband.
Prosecutors’ Stance
Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey countered the request, describing the case as extremely serious. She expressed concerns over the risk of flight due to the grave nature of the allegations. The judge ultimately agreed, reaffirming that Cortney poses a flight risk and is a danger to the community.
Details of the Allegations
The couple is accused of holding 22-year-old Rebecca Park against her will and murdering her along with her unborn child on or about November 3. Prosecutors allege that they planned and executed this brutal act.” This act represents pure evil,” Carey remarked during the arraignment.
Charges Against the Bartholomews
- First-degree premeditated murder
- Torture
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Assault with intent to cause miscarriage or stillbirth
- Removing a dead body without the permission of a medical examiner
If convicted, the Bartholomews face mandatory life sentences. Court records indicate that Bradly is a habitual offender, potentially subjecting him to increased penalties.
Victim’s Background
Rebecca Park was adopted as a child and had been living with her fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, at the time of her disappearance. Her adoptive mother, Stephanie Park, has custody of Rebecca since she was one year old. Friends and acquaintances suggest that Rebecca had a strained relationship with Cortney.
Current Legal Proceedings
Richard Lee Falor was arrested on November 26 and charged with multiple offenses, including delivery and manufacture of a controlled substance. His bond was initially set at $1 million but later reduced, allowing him to be released after posting only 10% of that amount.
Search warrants have been executed at the residence shared by Falor and Park, leading to the discovery of several items, including knives and notebooks, relevant to the investigation. Police have also arrested Kimberly Park, Rebecca’s sister, for tampering with evidence and lying to law enforcement.
Investigative Developments
Rebecca Park’s body was discovered in a wooded area of the Manistee National Forest on November 25. The ongoing investigation aims to verify whether the remains of her baby have been recovered. Preliminary examinations for the Bartholomews are scheduled for December 16, while Falor’s examination is set for December 9.
