Mom and stepdad arrested for murder of pregnant woman discovered in Michigan woods.

The tragic case surrounding the death of a 22-year-old pregnant woman whose remains were discovered in a Michigan forest has taken a grim turn with the arrests of her mother and stepfather. Cortney Bartholomew, aged 40, and Bradly Bartholomew, aged 47, face multiple serious felony charges, including murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant person, as confirmed by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Officials report that Rebecca Park, the daughter of Cortney Bartholomew, was approximately 38 weeks pregnant when she was reported missing from her home in Northern Michigan on November 3. Her body was ultimately found three weeks later, along a hiking trail in Manistee National Forest, located in Boon Township, Wexford County, which has a population of about 650 residents and is situated roughly 100 miles north of Grand Rapids. Disturbingly, the baby was not located alongside Park’s remains.

According to prosecutors, the Bartholomews allegedly lured Park to their residence and subjected her to a horrific ordeal while attempting to remove her unborn child. This violent confrontation allegedly resulted in the deaths of both Park and her baby. Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey characterized this case as one of extreme brutality, highlighting the unimaginable suffering inflicted on both mother and child at the hands of those who should have cared for them.

During a recent court appearance, the Bartholomews were denied bond, with prosecutors outlining a premeditated plan that led to the deaths. Prosecutor Carey detailed disturbing allegations, asserting that Mr. Bartholomew forced Park into a vehicle and took her into the woods, where they committed the acts leading to her death and that of her unborn child.

Despite being the biological mother, Cortney Bartholomew had previously relinquished her parental rights and Park was raised by a separate adoptive family alongside her siblings. The case comes as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding familial relationships and the tragic outcomes that can arise in certain circumstances.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew remain in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for December 16. The investigation continues to shed light on the events leading up to this heart-wrenching situation, raising awareness about the need for vigilance against domestic violence and its far-reaching consequences for families.