An update arrived in the homicide investigation of Rebecca Park, a pregnant Michigan woman. The news coverage started in early December last year, when Park vanished days before giving birth.
Her body was found in the Manistee National Forest but her baby was missing.
Multiple family members were arrested, including Rebecca’s sister, Kimberly Park. However, prosecutors and defense attorneys want the dismissal of charges against her.
Kimberly’s Charges
Kimberly Park initially reported her sister missing in November last year. At the time, investigators believed someone had cut open Rebecca Park’s abdomen and taken the baby.
Later, Cortney Bartholomew, Rebecca’s mom, and Bradley Bartholomew were arrested and indicted for murder in the first degree with premeditation, and torture.
Prosecutors originally charged Kimberly with tampering with evidence, lying to a police officer, and falsely reporting a felony, per Michigan.gov.
Additionally, investigators alleged she spread lies and social media rumors to misdirect the search.
The Boon Township Wexford County murder investigation includes the Wexford County Sheriff, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI.
The Reversal of Charges
During a segment of Sidebar with Jesse Weber on Law&Crime this week, he discussed the news that during a preliminary hearing, the Wexford County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to dismiss all charges against Kimberly without prejudice.
While she’s free for now, Jesse mentioned that the state can refile the same charges later, but only if new evidence comes to light. However, it should be noted that prosecutors stopped short of explaining why the charges were dropped for now.
People Magazine reported that future decisions would be made “in accordance with the pursuit of justice.”
Of course, online observers discuss whether Kimberly Park provided meaningful cooperation. Or there might be a change in prosecution strategy. Alternatively, they might simply have insufficient evidence against Kimberly.
The Family Dynamics
The background of the case showed a disturbing family situation. Rebecca Park, her sister Kimberly, and their birth mother, Cortney Bartholomew, had all allegedly been in romantic relationships with the same man.
Richard Falor, a registered sex offender, was the suspected father of Rebecca’s unborn child.
During police interrogations caught on bodycam, Kimberly’s story changed a lot. Initially, she claimed her birth mom, Cortney, and stepdad, Bradley Bartholomew, confessed to hitting Rebecca over the head to steal the baby.
When detectives questioned her truthfulness, Kimberly admitted she made up parts of her story to protect Falor.
Parents Remain Behind Bars
While Kimberly no longer faces charges for now, the case against Cortney and Bradley Bartholomew moves ahead.
While incarcerated, prosecutors allege Cortney was “obsessed” with having another child. Investigators heard conflicting versions of events from Cortney and Bradley.
According to Weber, Cortney accused Bradley of losing control, cutting Rebecca’s throat, and then forcing Cortney to use a scalpel to save the baby
Meanwhile, Bradley allegedly claimed Cortney grabbed a hunting knife and stabbed her daughter in the chest while he watched in horror.
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