Decorated Marine Veteran Fatally Shot in Facebook Marketplace Robbery at His Home
A decorated Marine veteran has been tragically shot and killed during what was supposed to be a simple Facebook Marketplace transaction at his own home, which police say escalated into a violent robbery. The incident occurred in Columbia, Missouri, leaving the local community in shock and resulting in multiple arrests.
Heartbreaking Final Moments and Police Response
Michael Ryan Burke, a 42-year-old former Marine, was reportedly selling an item through the popular online marketplace when the meet-up turned deadly on Sunday. According to authorities, the situation quickly deteriorated into a robbery attempt involving a phone. In his final moments, Burke managed to make a harrowing emergency call to police, where he provided detailed descriptions of his alleged attackers before sending a final, heartbreaking text message to his family.
The Columbia Missouri Police Department confirmed that officers responded to the scene and provided immediate medical treatment until emergency services arrived. Burke was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the shooting. Police have since notified his next of kin.
Four Suspects Arrested and Charged with Murder
Law enforcement officials have arrested four individuals in connection with the fatal shooting. Three 18-year-olds and a male juvenile have been charged with murder following the incident. The specific charges include:
- Alexis Baumann, 18: Arrested on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary.
- Kobe Aust, 18: Arrested for second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary.
- Joseph Crane, 18: Detained for second-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon.
- Unnamed male juvenile: Arrested on charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Final Message to Loved Ones Revealed
In a heartbreaking interview with local media, Burke's friend Jerry Reifeiss revealed the veteran's final actions. Reifeiss, who met Burke through a university fraternity, described how his friend demonstrated remarkable strength in his final moments, comparable to the resilience he showed during his military career.
"That was just Ryan," Reifeiss said. "He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people know how he felt. He didn’t want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them."
According to Reifeiss, Burke not only managed to call emergency services and describe his four alleged attackers but also texted his mother and sister with the poignant message: "I'm dying and I love you."
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The shocking incident has raised significant concerns about safety during online marketplace transactions, particularly through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. The case highlights the potential dangers of meeting strangers for sales, even in what should be the safety of one's own home.
This tragic event follows other high-profile violent crimes in the region, including a recent case where a suspected contract killer disguised as a food delivery rider was sentenced to 38 years in prison for shooting an eight-year-old girl and her father. The Columbia community is now grappling with questions about public safety and the risks associated with online commerce meet-ups.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Burke's death, while friends and family remember him as a dedicated veteran who served his country with honour before meeting this tragic end during what should have been a routine transaction.
