Marine Veteran Sent Final Texts to Family After Being Fatally Shot During Facebook Marketplace Phone Sale
COLUMBIA, Mo. A decorated U.S. Marine veteran spent the final moments of his life calling 911 and sending heartbreaking goodbye messages to his family after being shot and killed during a Facebook Marketplace meetup, authorities say.
Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was fatally wounded on Sunday, Jan. 18, at his home in Columbia, Missouri, while attempting to sell an iPhone to individuals he believed were legitimate buyers, according to the Columbia Police Department.
Shot During a Supposed Phone Sale
Police say the deadly incident unfolded around 8:15 p.m. at a residence on Ridgemont Court, when officers responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Burke inside the home suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators say the meeting was arranged through Facebook Marketplace, where Burke had been selling an iPhone 15 Pro valued at approximately $585.
Final Call and Heartbreaking Goodbye Texts
Despite his injuries, Burke managed to call 911, telling dispatchers that someone who had come to buy his phone had shot him. During the call, he provided police with a description of the suspects, information authorities say proved critical to the investigation.
While waiting for help to arrive, Burke also texted his mother and sister, sending a final message that read:
“I’m dying and I love you.”
The message was later confirmed by Burke’s longtime friend Jerry Reifeiss, who spoke with local outlet KRCG13.
“That was just Ryan,” Reifeiss said. “He always put others before himself. Even in his last moments, he wanted to make sure his family knew how much he loved them.”
Suspects Arrested and Charged
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, police arrested three 18-year-olds and one juvenile male in connection with Burke’s death.
Authorities identified the adult suspects as Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane, all 18. They, along with the unnamed juvenile, are charged with:
Second-degree murder
First-degree robbery
First-degree burglary
Police say Crane and the juvenile also face additional charges, including armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.
Alleged Pattern of Marketplace Robberies
According to a probable cause statement, investigators believe the suspects were involved in a series of Facebook Marketplace robberies in the days leading up to Burke’s killing.
Police allege the group targeted individuals selling iPhones, arranging meetups before robbing them at gunpoint. In at least one earlier incident, a victim reported having a firearm pointed at her while her phone was stolen.
Authorities say a stolen phone from a prior robbery was later sold at a Walmart ecoATM, with surveillance footage allegedly showing Baumann and Aust using the machine. Video also reportedly captured all four suspects arriving together in the same vehicle.
Burke Remembered as a Hero
Friends described Burke as a military hero who participated in dangerous missions during his service as a U.S. Marine. Reifeiss said Burke’s final actions reflected the kind of person he was.
“He didn’t want to leave this world without helping bring justice,” Reifeiss said. “And he wanted everyone to know he loved them.”
Suspects Held Without Bond
Baumann, Aust, and Crane are currently being held without bond at the Boone County Jail. The juvenile suspect remains in custody at the Boone County Juvenile Office.
It is unclear whether any of the defendants have retained legal counsel.