A US Marine shared a poignant final message with his family after being fatally shot at his Missouri residence on January 18.
Michael Ryan Burke lost his life while attempting to sell his iPhone on Facebook Marketplace, under the impression it was a genuine transaction.
Authorities suspect the shooting took place around 8:15pm after they were alerted by a 911 call about a reported shooting at Ridgemont Court in Columbia.
Upon arrival, police found Burke critically injured with multiple gunshot wounds.
Sadly, the 42-year-old passed away from his injuries at the hospital.
Before succumbing to his injuries, Burke contacted the authorities to report the shooting and provide a description of the assailants. During the wait for emergency responders, Burke texted his mother and sister, expressing his love and acknowledging he was dying.
Jerry Reifeiss, a friend of Burke, shared with KRCG13: “He texted them saying that, hey, I’m dying and I love you. That was just Ryan. He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt.”
He added, “He didn’t want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us here that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them.”
Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane, all 18, along with an unidentified juvenile, have been charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary, according to Columbia Police.
The juvenile and Crane also face charges for unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.
According to a probable cause statement referenced by People, the suspects allegedly stole two iPhones before the shooting of Burke.
One of the victims, like Burke, was selling an iPhone on Facebook Marketplace when her device was stolen at gunpoint. It was later discovered that the phone was sold at a Walmart ecoATM shortly after the alleged theft.
Investigators reviewed Burke’s phone records and uncovered a message conversation where the Marine veteran arranged to sell an iPhone 15 Pro for $585.
Burke shared his address with one of the suspects, who then messaged him upon arriving at the location, just minutes before the shooting occurred.
The juvenile suspect is currently in custody at the Boone County Juvenile Office, while Baumann, Aust, and Crane are detained at the Boone County Jail without bail.