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
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.