A Wexford County mother accused of helping her husband cut an unborn baby from her pregnant daughter asked a judge to release her from jail while she awaits trial, according to reporting by MLive. Cortney Bartholomew, 40, appeared in court seated in a wheelchair and said she needed to be home to care for her 14 year old son. Her public defender also cited undisclosed medical issues.
Prosecutor Johanna Carey urged the court to keep her locked up, calling the allegations as serious as they come and warning the court she is a major flight risk. Judge Corey J. Wiggins agreed, saying Bartholomew remains a danger to the community and will be held without bond.
Bartholomew and her husband, Bradly Alan Bartholomew, 47, are charged with multiple felonies including premeditated murder, torture, and assault causing miscarriage. Prosecutors say the couple held 22 year old Rebecca Park against her will, stabbed her, and cut her unborn baby from her body before leaving her to die in a wooded area of the Manistee National Forest near their home in Boon Township.
Park was near full term in her pregnancy and lived with her fiancé, Richard Lee Falor. Falor was later arrested on drug charges in an unrelated case, though investigators searched his home for possible human remains as part of the larger investigation. Park’s 21 year old sister, Kimberly Park, was also arrested on separate charges including lying to police and evidence tampering. Both have since been released after their bonds were significantly lowered.
Searchers discovered Park’s body on November 25. Authorities have not said whether the baby’s remains have been recovered.
Falor is scheduled for a preliminary examination on December 9 at 2 p.m. The Bartholomews are expected back in court on December 16 at 2 p.m.
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