Marine veteran Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace sale-turned-robbery in Missouri; four teens are charged in the killing.
Marine veteran Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace sale [Photo: X]
A decorated Marine Corps veteran was fatally shot at his home in Columbia, Missouri, during a Facebook Marketplace sale that turned into a robbery, authorities said. The victim, 42-year-old Michael Ryab Burke, was rushed to a local hospital but died from his injuries.
Four teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with his death, police said.
Michael Ryan Burke was a well-known figure in his community, friends and family said. The 42-year-old graduated from the University of Missouri, where he studied psychology and sociology. He also served in the US Marine Corps and worked overseas in security roles, according to his own social media posts.
Burke was active in community service and volunteer work. He shared on social media that he participated in missionary work in Uganda and volunteered in the fight against human trafficking. A close friend and fraternity brother said Burke’s life was defined by selfless service and leadership.
In his final moments, Burke showed courage and presence of mind. He called 911 to describe his attackers and later sent a heartbreaking message to his family: “I’m dying, and I love you.”
The deadly incident happened during a scheduled Facebook Marketplace transaction at Burke’s home in the 1400 block of Ridgemont Court in Columbia. Investigators believe the sale involved a cellphone, but the meeting was reportedly a setup for a robbery.
Police received a call about shots being fired around 8:15 p.m. Sunday, then found Burke with a gunshot wound outside his house. Emergency crews transported him to a hospital, where he later died.
Columbia Police arrested three 18-year-olds, Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane, and an unidentified juvenile in connection with the killing. All are charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and burglary. Crane faces extra charges for unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action, while the juvenile has an additional unlawful weapon charge.
Police used surveillance footage and Facebook data to link the suspects to the crime. Court documents indicate the group may also be tied to other thefts in the area. One suspect allegedly sold the stolen phone at a nearby cash kiosk after the killing.
The three adult suspects are being held without bond at the Boone County Jail, and the juvenile is in custody at the Boone County Juvenile Office.
Friends described Burke as a loyal and brave man who cared deeply for others. A fraternity brother recalled Burke’s final calls and messages as reflective of his character — thinking of loved ones even in his last moments.
“He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt,” one friend said. “He didn’t want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us that would bring justice.”
This case highlights ongoing concerns about violence during online marketplace meetups. Experts have warned that in-person transactions arranged through social media platforms can be risky without proper precautions. Reports in recent years have documented multiple fatal incidents tied to such meetups across the United States.
Authorities remind buyers and sellers to meet in public, well-lit locations and to consider secure pickup zones often provided by law enforcement.
