Decorated Marine vet gunned down senselessly during Facebook Marketplace sale sent heartbreaking final text to mother, sister
Decorated Marine veteran Michael Ryan Burke tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting during a Facebook Marketplace deal gone wrong. In his final moments, Burke managed to send a heartbreaking message to his family, texting his mother and sister, “I am dying, I love you.”
Burke’s friend of two decades, Jerry Reifeiss, spoke to KRCG and shared that Burke always prioritized others before himself and wanted to ensure his loved ones knew how he felt. Despite being shot at his Missouri home, Burke summoned the strength to call 911 and provide a description of his attackers before being rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away.
Described as a military hero who had undertaken dangerous military operations and later transitioned into missionary work in Uganda, Burke had traveled the world and worked in security for the Trump administration. The loss of such a remarkable individual has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Following the shooting, Missouri locals Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane, all 18 years old, and an unidentified male juvenile were arrested on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and burglary. Crane, a Columbia resident, faced additional charges for unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. The three 18-year-olds are currently held without bond at the Boone County Jail, while the juvenile is in custody at the Boone County Juvenile Office.
Reifeiss expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the Columbia Police Department in apprehending the suspects promptly. The community mourns the loss of Michael Ryan Burke, a man who dedicated his life to serving others and making a positive impact in the world.
