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.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.