WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) – Two family members of Rebecca Park have been charged with her murder and the murder of her baby.
Cortney and Brad Bartholomew, biological mother and stepfather of Rebecca Park, are each facing eight charges each, including murder in the first degree, torture and assault of a pregnant individual.
The two appeared Tuesday in Wexford County’s 84th District Court after Monday’s hearing was delayed, with both held without bond due to the seriousness of the case.
More details on arraignment: Rebecca Park bio mom and stepfather charged with murder first degree, torture and more
The courtroom was filled with family, friends, and community members seeking answers in the month-long case.
Many were left heartbroken after hearing the graphic details presented by the prosecuting attorney, Johanna Carey.
They brought Rebecca Park to their home. They forced her into a vehicle and took her into the woods, where they stabbed her. They forced her to lie on the ground while they cut her baby out of her, ultimately causing her death and the death of the baby,” Carey said.
The prosecutor urged the judge to deny bond, stating, “This is as heinous and this is also the case as it could be. And I don’t believe there are any circumstances in which Mr. Bartholomew should be granted any bond.”
The judge agreed, ordering Cortney and Brad Bartholomew to be held without bond and prohibiting communication between them while in jail.
Brad Bartholomew Charges:
Count 1: Commit offensive homicide murder in 1st degree premeditatedCount 2: Alleged committed the offense of homicide felony murder (punishable for to life) and DNA taken upon arrestCount 3: Alleged committed offense of torture (punishable to life)Count 4: Alleged committed offense of conspiracy to get torture (up to life and $10k)Count 5: Alleged committed offense of assault of a pregnant individual or potentially causing miscarriage, still birth ( punishable to life)Count 6: Committed offensive conspiracy to commit assault from an individual intentionally causing miscarriage or still birth (chronicled by life or any time of years and or $10k)Count 7: Alleged committed the offense of unlawful imprisonment (up to 15 years and or fine of $20k)Count 8: Committed offense of dead bodies, removing without medical examiner permission (misdemeanor up to 1 years and or $500)
Judge Corey Wiggins said Brad is a fourth offender and will be held without bond.
Cortney Bartholomew Charges:
Count 1: Commit offensive homicide murder in 1st degree premeditatedCount 2: Alleged committed the offense of homicide felony murder (punishable for to life) and DNA taken upon arrestCount 3: Alleged committed offense of torture (punishable to life)Count 4: Alleged committed offense of conspiracy to get torture (up to life and $10k)Count 5: Alleged committed offense of assault of a pregnant individual or potentially causing miscarriage, still birth ( punishable to life)Count 6: Committed offensive conspiracy to commit assault from an individual intentionally causing miscarriage or still birth (chronicled by life or any time of years and or $10k)Count 7: Alleged committed the offense of unlawful imprisonment (up to 15 years and or fine of $20k)Count 8: Committed offense of dead bodies, removing without medical examiner permission (misdemeanor up to 1 years and or $500)
Judge Corey Wiggins said Cortney will be held without bond.