COLUMBIA, MO – A man known for his service as a U.S. Marine and as a missionary lost his life in what authorities describe as a Facebook Marketplace robbery gone deadly, leading to the arrests of four teenagers accused of fatally shooting him in his own home.

Ryan Burke, 42, was shot Sunday evening at his residence in Columbia after arranging online to sell an iPhone 15 Pro, valued at nearly $600. According to police, Burke had set up the exchange with four people who arrived at his door under the pretense of purchasing the device.

Investigators allege that Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane, and Alexis Baumann—all 18 years old—as well as an unnamed juvenile, orchestrated the meeting to steal the iPhone. Documents reveal that Crane and the juvenile entered Burke’s home, while Baumann and Aust waited outside in a vehicle.

Reports indicate that Baumann later told investigators she heard several gunshots from inside the house. Crane and the juvenile then rushed back outside, got into her car, and the group sped away from the scene, police said.

The suspects are accused of immediately selling the stolen phone at an automated kiosk in a Walmart store on Conley Road, minutes after the shooting. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the teens at the store, supporting investigators’ timeline of events.

Despite his wounds, Burke managed to call 911 and send text messages to family members in his final moments, alerting them to the attack. According to relatives, Burke wanted his loved ones to know how much he cared for them.

Detectives believe the group behind Burke’s death had been involved in a string of similar crimes leading up to the shooting, targeting other potential sellers for their electronic devices in the days before. In one instance, a juvenile suspect reportedly threatened another victim while forcefully taking her phone.

Law enforcement used footage and license plate detection technology to track the suspects’ vehicle, eventually taking Baumann and Aust into custody on Monday. Crane and the juvenile were apprehended later the same day, authorities reported.

All four individuals face charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action. They are being held in jail without bond as the investigation continues.

Burke, remembered for his humanitarian work in Uganda and his dedication to others, leaves behind a legacy now marred by senseless violence. Family and friends say they hope justice will be served as the community mourns his loss.