Michigan mother accused of killing pregnant daughter had slept with her victim's fiancé, court hears in bombshell testimony

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Richard Falor, the fiancé of slain 22-year-old Rebecca Park and father of her unborn child, testified that he had previously been in a relationship with Rebecca's mother, Cortney Bartholomew — who now stands accused of Rebecca's murder. Falor told the court the affair lasted from April to September 2023, ending just a month before he began a relationship with Rebecca. A preliminary hearing is under way in Michigan to determine whether first-degree murder, torture and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death will proceed to trial.

While they were together, Cortney told Falor she desperately wanted another child but was physically unable to have one.

Prosecutors allege Cortney lured Rebecca to her home by sending a photo of an $18,000 inheritance cheque on the night she disappeared.

Rebecca, 39 weeks pregnant, was found dead on November 25 in Manistee National Forest — her baby boy was not at the scene.