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.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (Baltimore County) — Authorities are investigating a multiple-victim stabbing that left two people critically injured in Owings Mills.
According to preliminary information, Baltimore County Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the 12300 block of Greenspring Avenue following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, first responders located two victims suffering from severe stab wounds, both classified as priority-one patients.
Emergency crews requested a medical helicopter due to the seriousness of the injuries.
A landing zone was established at Ridge Road and Greenspring Avenue.
One victim was transported by medevac, while the second victim was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby trauma center.
Initial reports indicate that the caller may have stabbed both of his parents.
Police confirmed that a possible suspect has been detained at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspect.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.