S10 E1 - The Murder of Rebecca Kay "Becca" Park

In November 2025, 22-year-old Rebecca “Becca” Park — 38 weeks pregnant — vanished from Boon Township, Michigan. Days later, volunteer searchers found her body in the woods of the Manistee National Forest. Prosecutors allege that her biological mother, Cortney Bartholomew, and Cortney’s husband, Brad, lured her into a vehicle, forced her into the forest, and brutally murdered her — allegedly removing her unborn baby from her womb.

This episode chronicles Becca’s life, the desperate community search, the gruesome discovery, and the early days of a legal case that has shaken Michigan. We speak her name, we honor her life, and we present the known facts with care and respect.

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of extreme violence, including murder of a pregnant woman and death of an unborn child. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

— Malice in the Mitten

If you have information related to the case, contact the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office tip-line. 

Tips & Information
Wexford County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency): 231-779-9211
Case tip line (Rebecca Park investigation): 231-306-2072
Cadillac Area Silent Observer (anonymous tips): 231-779-9215 or 1-800-528-8234

Theme song written and recorded by Alan Hunt.

Story researched by Tracy Preston

Original artwork by Todd Preston

Recorded and edited by Tracy Preston

Original music created by Tracy Preston

#RebeccaPark
#BeccaPark
#JusticeForBecca
#TrueCrimePodcast
#MaliceInTheMitten
#MichiganCrime

#TrueCrime
#TrueCrimeTikTok

Sources:

“Two Charged with Murder of Rebecca Park.” Michigan Attorney General, 2 Dec. 2025, michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2025/12/02/two-charged-with-murder-of-rebecca-park. Michigan.gov

Spargo, Chris. “Rebecca Park Murder: Mother Accused of Torturing Pregnant Daughter but Keeping Her Alive Until She Cut Out Baby.” PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025, people.com/rebecca-park-mother-cut-out-pregnant-daughters-baby-after-murder-da-11861411. People.com

“Mother and Stepdad Charged with Murder, Torture of Missing Pregnant Woman Rebecca Park.” WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 3 Dec. 2025, clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/12/03/biological-mom-stepdad-accused-of-murdering-pregnant-daughter-unborn-child-in-michigan-forest. WDIV

“‘Evil’: Mom, Stepfather Charged with Murder in Death of Pregnant Woman, Her Unborn Child.” Associated Press, 3 Dec. 2025. UpperMichiganSource.com. https://www.uppermichiganssource.com+1

“Wexford County Bands Together to Support and Pay Tribute to Rebecca Park and Family.” 9&10 News, 4 Dec. 2025. 910News.com

“Michigan Couple Arraigned on Murder, Torture Charges in Death of Pregnant Manton Woman.” Big Rapids News, 3 Dec. 2025. Big Rapids Pioneer

“Mom, Stepfather Charged in Rebecca Park’s Death; Baby Dead.” Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2025. Detroit Free Press