BOON TOWNSHIP, MI – A northern Michigan community is reeling after authorities say a pregnant woman was murdered in a gruesome attack allegedly orchestrated by her mother and stepfather. Rebecca Park, 22, was found dead in late November along a remote hiking trail in the Manistee National Forest, nearly a month after her disappearance. Her unborn child, who was nearly full-term, did not survive, and the infant’s remains have not been recovered.

Park was reported missing on November 3 from her home near Cadillac. According to investigators, her mother, Cortney Bartholomew, and stepfather, Bradly Bartholomew, forced her into the woods, where she was stabbed and subjected to further violence that resulted in the death of both her and her unborn baby. The discovery of Park’s body on November 25 set off a flurry of law enforcement activity and stoked fear throughout the small township.

The Bartholomews, aged 40 and 47 respectively, were arrested on Monday. They have each been charged with multiple felonies, including murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant person leading to miscarriage or stillbirth. A prosecutor described the homicide as the result of a carefully planned attack, alleging the suspects did extensive research before luring Park away from her home.

Court documents suggest the suspects devised a detailed scheme, transporting Park from their residence to another vehicle before taking her to the isolated forest location. There, officials claim, the attack was carried out with chilling precision. The motive remains unclear, and law enforcement officials have not commented on any possible reasons driving the violent crime.

The aftermath of Park’s murder prompted authorities to arrest additional family members. Richard Falor, Park’s fiancé, was taken into custody soon after her body was discovered and faces charges of delivering methamphetamine. Shortly after, Park’s sister, Kimberly Park, was arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence, lying to police, and filing a false felony report.

Both Falor and Kimberly Park were arraigned last week. Judges set their bonds at $1 million and $750,000, respectively, citing concerns that each posed a threat to the community and a risk of fleeing. With intense media interest swirling around the case, a district court judge took the unusual step of suspending live broadcasts of the proceedings in the interest of a fair trial.

As the investigation continues, officers have yet to locate Park’s unborn child, heightening the anguish for those closest to the victim. Family members say the past weeks have been marked by shock, heartbreak, and an overwhelming desire for justice.

The sense of loss is compounded by uncertainty surrounding the motives behind the attack. Relatives describe Rebecca Park as someone looking forward to motherhood, and her disappearance and murder have left an irreparable void in their lives.

Local residents expressed sympathy for Park’s surviving family members, especially the young children now grappling with a tragedy that has left their community shaken.

Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed as more information comes to light. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement.