Michigan Mother Accused of Helping Cut Baby From Pregnant Daughter Pleads for Jail Release to ‘Take Care’ of Teen Son
CADILLAC, MICHIGAN — A Michigan mother accused of helping kidnap, stab, and kill her pregnant daughter — before allegedly cutting the baby from her womb — pleaded to be released from jail so she could care for her teenage son. A judge refused, calling her a danger to the community and a flight risk.
Mother Begs for Release: “I Just Need to Take Care of Him”
40-year-old Cortney Bartholomew, who stands charged with first-degree murder, torture, and assault of a pregnant person causing a stillbirth, asked a judge Thursday to grant her release so she could return home to her 14-year-old son.
“I just need to be able to take care of him,” she reportedly told the court, insisting she was the only guardian the boy had left. She also cited unspecified medical issues.
Judge Corey J. Wiggins rejected the request, ruling that Bartholomew posed a significant risk if released.
“Mrs. Bartholomew is a flight risk and a danger to the community,” the judge said, ordering her to remain held without bond.
Prosecutors Describe a Planned, Brutal Killing in the Woods
Authorities allege that Cortney and her husband, 47-year-old Bradly Bartholomew, orchestrated a violent plan to kidnap and murder 22-year-old Rebecca Park, Cortney’s pregnant daughter.
Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on Nov. 3. Nearly three weeks later, her body was discovered off a hiking trail in the Manistee National Forest — but the baby was missing.
During a Tuesday bond hearing, prosecutors unveiled the chilling details:
- The Bartholomews researched and planned the crime
- Rebecca was brought to their home, then forced into another vehicle
- She was taken into the woods, stabbed, and forced to lie down
- Her baby was cut from her womb
- Both Rebecca and the infant died
“This is frankly evil personified,” said Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey.
Police have not yet recovered the baby’s body, and a motive remains unknown. Park was reportedly adopted as an infant.
Family Members and Additional Arrests Surround the Case
Park’s fiancé, Richard Falor, and her sister, Kimberly Park, were initially arrested on unrelated drug and tampering charges during the investigation. Their bonds, originally set at $1 million and $750,000, were later reduced to $5,000, allowing both to be released.
Due to intense media attention, Judge Wiggins previously removed the hearings from livestream to protect the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
Park’s adoptive mother expressed devastation:
“I’m heartbroken, crushed,” she told reporters. “We have been preparing for this outcome — not as gruesome as this, but preparing.”
Community Awaits Answers as Motive Remains Unclear
Authorities have not identified a motive behind the killing. Court documents indicate the Bartholomews conducted research in advance, suggesting deliberate planning rather than a spontaneous act.
Both defendants remain jailed without bond as the investigation continues.
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