Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Rebecca Park, Vanished at 38-Weeks, Now A Homicide: Family Members Jailed As Baby Still Missing
Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Drew Nelson (Crime Alert update anchor)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Overview

This episode focuses on the tragic disappearance and confirmed homicide of Rebecca Park, a 22-year-old pregnant woman from northern Michigan who vanished at 38 weeks. The case now centers on the search for her missing newborn amid shocking arrests within her family and inner circle. Several additional crime alerts are included, but the heart of the episode details the ongoing investigation, community impact, and pursuit of justice for Rebecca and her infant.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rebecca Park Case – The Disappearance and Discovery

• Who: Rebecca Park, age 22, from northern Michigan, disappeared just prior to her due date (was 38 weeks pregnant).
• When/Where: Last seen November 3, 2025, near her biological mother’s home in Boone Township, Wexford County. Her body was discovered November 25 in the Manistee National Forest.
• Status: Her baby remains missing. The investigation is now a homicide case, and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are involved.

Timeline and Investigation Details

• Rebecca’s cell phone was found near her mother’s property; she had recently been evaluated at a hospital for labor symptoms and sent home.
• Multiple search warrants were executed at the home she shared with her fiancé, where evidence was seized for further investigation.

Memorable Moment:
“The Wexford County Sheriff's Office along with multiple law enforcement agencies is working diligently to determine the condition and potential whereabouts of the baby. The information that can be released is extremely limited at this time.”
— Sheriff Trent Taylor [00:44]

2. Family Members and Associates Arrested

• Courtney Bartholomew (age 40) – Step-sister (or stepmother, unclear): Arrested and appeared in court. Bradley Bartholomew (stepfather, 47) – also arrested and held without bond after the judge deemed him a flight risk.
• Kimberly Park (Rebecca’s 21-year-old sister): Arrested on charges of tampering with evidence, lying to police, and filing a false report. Her bond was set at $750,000.
• Richard Lee Falore (Rebecca’s fiancé, 43): Arrested the night Rebecca's body was found. Charged with delivering methamphetamine (not directly tied to Rebecca’s disappearance), bond set at $1 million.

Notable Quote:
“This is as serious as it gets. It's as horrible as it gets.”
— Prosecutor Joanna Carey [01:44]

3. Forensic and Evidence Collection

• Investigators served warrants seeking human remains and evidence related to a potential burial site.
• Items seized included knives, notebooks, electronics—but no detailed public disclosure yet on what directly links any individual to the homicide.

4. Community Impact and Ongoing Search

• "Justice for Rebecca" messages have appeared in Boone Township, showing community solidarity and grief.
• The baby is still missing. Authorities urge the public to help if they have information (Wexford County Sheriffs: 231-779-9216).

Memorable Moment:
“Rebecca's disappearance and death have shaken Boone Township.”
— Drew Nelson [02:51]

Additional Crime Alerts (Minor Cases)

Georgia Couple Abandons Dog Before Vacation [05:18]

• Elderly couple charged with animal cruelty for abandoning their dog "Blue" as they left for vacation.
• Dog found with food, water, and a note written as if from the dog's perspective; now safe in shelter.

Quote:
“We scanned the dog for a microchip, found out who it went back to. Tried to call them just in… you never know. Sometimes animals are stolen. There was a note left with the dog, so that was odd, too.”
— Tracy Thompson, Animal Control Director [06:02]

Thanksgiving Car Theft in Portland [06:44]

• 80-year-old volunteer’s car stolen while she served meals to the homeless; meal for family and purse also lost.
• Her son started a GoFundMe due to her limited income and need for the vehicle for medical appointments.

Quote:
“I went up to where I knew I parked it and it was missing. I just stood there for a minute wondering what's going on. I couldn't figure it out. I was in shock.”
— Cheryl, victim [07:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03–03:09 — Rebecca Park case: disappearance, body recovery, investigation, family member arrests, search for baby
• 03:09–05:18 — [Advertisements skipped]
• 05:18–06:44 — Georgia couple’s dog abandonment case
• 06:44–08:14 — Portland car theft from Thanksgiving volunteer
• 08:14–09:40 — Community impact and family response to car theft; GoFundMe effort
• 09:40-end — [Advertisements skipped]

Notable Quotes

• "This is as serious as it gets. It's as horrible as it gets." — Prosecutor Joanna Carey [01:44]
• “Rebecca's disappearance and death have shaken Boone Township.” — Drew Nelson [02:51]
• “We scanned the dog for a microchip... There was a note left with the dog, so that was odd, too.” — Tracy Thompson [06:02]
• “I went up to where I knew I parked it and it was missing. ... I was in shock.” — Cheryl [07:32]

Tone & Language

The narration is clear, direct, and somber, especially regarding Rebecca Park's death and the community’s concern for her missing baby. The reporting sticks to factual updates and quotes, aiming to keep the public informed and involved, particularly in seeking justice and locating the missing infant.

Summary

This Crime Stories episode provides a thorough update on the rapidly evolving case of Rebecca Park’s disappearance and death, highlighting the involvement of her family members in criminal proceedings, the ongoing search for her newborn, and the effects on the local community. Listener engagement is encouraged, reflecting Nancy Grace’s hallmark of activating her audience in real-life crime solving.