Marine Veteran Dies After Describing Attackers in 911 Call During Facebook Marketplace Robbery
A decorated Marine veteran tragically lost his life after being gunned down during a Facebook Marketplace transaction that escalated into a robbery in columbia, Missouri, on sunday. Michael Ryan burke, 42, used his final moments to provide crucial details to 911 dispatchers and to send a heartbreaking farewell message to his family.
A Sale Turned Deadly
The incident unfolded as Burke attempted to sell a cellphone through the online marketplace. Authorities say the encounter quickly devolved into a violent robbery, resulting in Burke’s fatal shooting at his home.Four individuals – three 18-year-olds and a juvenile male – have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the senseless killing.
Final Moments of Courage
According to a close friend, Jerry Reifeiss, Burke’s bravery shone through even in the face of death. Reifeiss,a fraternity brother from Burke’s time at the University of Missouri,recounted Burke’s final actions in an interview. Burke was able to contact 911 and describe the four attackers before succumbing to his injuries. He also managed to text his mother and sister, “I’m dying and I love you,” before being transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“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 facts to us that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them.”
A Life Dedicated to Service and Learning
Burke’s commitment to service extended beyond his military career. While attending the University of Missouri,he pursued a double major in psychology and sociology,believing it to be “the greatest investment in [his] future,” as he noted in a 2016 Facebook post. He also dedicated time to missionary work, including efforts to combat human trafficking in places like Uganda.
“I am thankful for the education I received at the University of Missouri because, in my experience, it’s not so much a weapon but the training of the mind that makes a man perilous,” Burke wrote on Facebook.
Suspects Charged in Connection with the Murder
Alexis Baumann,Kobe Aust,and Joseph crane,all 18 years old and residents of Columbia,along with an unnamed juvenile male have been charged in connection with Burke’s death. Baumann, Aust, and Crane are charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and burglary. crane faces additional charges of unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. The juvenile suspect is also facing a charge for unlawful use of a weapon. Baumann,Aust,and Crane are currently being held without bond at the Boone County Jail,while the juvenile is in custody at the boone County Juvenile Office.
The tragic death of Michael Ryan Burke serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online marketplaces and the courage displayed by individuals even in their final moments.
Why did this happen? Michael Ryan Burke was fatally shot during a robbery that began as a Facebook Marketplace transaction for a cellphone. The encounter escalated into violence when the suspects attempted to rob him.
Who was involved? Michael Ryan Burke, the victim, and four suspects: Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane (all 18), and an unnamed juvenile male.
What occurred? Burke arranged to sell a cellphone through Facebook Marketplace. The meeting turned into a robbery, and Burke was shot and killed. He used his final moments to contact 911 and send messages
