Crime
Cortney and Brad Bartholomew accused of cutting baby out of Rebecca Park womb
WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich. — Two relatives of Rebecca Kay Park have been formally charged in connection with her brutal killing and the killing of her unborn child.
According to prosecutors, Park’s biological mother, Cortney Bartholomew, and her stepfather, Brad Bartholomew, allegedly lured the 31-year-old to their home before abducting her, driving her into a remote forested area, and carrying out a violent attack that resulted in the deaths of both Park and her baby.
Prosecutors characterized the crime as “evil personified,” outlining disturbing details during a court appearance on Tuesday in the 84th District Court of Wexford County.
The hearing, originally scheduled for Monday, was delayed by a day. Both defendants are being held without bond due to the severity of the charges.
The courtroom was filled with family members, friends, and community residents who have awaited answers in the month-long investigation. Many were visibly shaken as Prosecuting Attorney Johanna Carey described the series of events leading to Park’s death.
According to Carey, the Bartholomews brought Park to their home, forced her into a vehicle, and transported her deep into the woods.
There, they stabbed her, then forced her to lie on the ground while they cut her baby from her womb, killing both the mother and the infant.
“This crime is as heinous as it gets,” Carey told the judge, urging that neither defendant be granted bond. “I do not believe there are any circumstances under which Mr. Bartholomew should be released.”
Judge Corey Wiggins agreed, ordering both Cortney and Brad Bartholomew held without bond. He also prohibited any communication between the two while in custody.
The judge noted that Brad Bartholomew is a fourth-time habitual offender, strengthening the justification for detention.
Charges Against Brad Bartholomew
Brad Bartholomew faces eight criminal counts, including multiple charges punishable by life in prison:
- First-degree premeditated murder
- Felony murder (DNA collected upon arrest)
- Torture
- Conspiracy to commit torture (up to life in prison and/or $10,000 fine)
- Assault of a pregnant individual causing or risking miscarriage or stillbirth
- Conspiracy to commit assault causing miscarriage or stillbirth (punishable by life or any number of years and/or $10,000 fine)
- Unlawful imprisonment (up to 15 years and/or $20,000 fine)
- Removal or mutilation of a dead body without medical examiner authorization (misdemeanor; up to 1 year and/or $500 fine)
Charges Against Cortney Bartholomew
Cortney Bartholomew faces the same eight charges, each carrying severe penalties:
- First-degree premeditated murder
- Felony murder (DNA collected upon arrest)
- Torture
- Conspiracy to commit torture (up to life and/or $10,000 fine)
- Assault of a pregnant individual causing or risking miscarriage or stillbirth
- Conspiracy to commit assault causing miscarriage or stillbirth (punishable by life or any number of years and/or $10,000 fine)
- Unlawful imprisonment (up to 15 years and/or $20,000 fine)
- Removal or mutilation of a dead body without medical examiner authorization (misdemeanor; up to 1 year and/or $500 fine)
Judge Wiggins ordered Cortney Bartholomew held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence in what prosecutors call one of the most disturbing crimes the community has ever faced.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.