A highly decorated Marine veteran tragically lost his life during a Facebook Marketplace transaction that turned deadly, yet he used his final moments to express his love for his family.
Michael Ryan Burke, aged 42, was fatally injured in his Columbia, Missouri, home on Sunday. The incident was a result of a robbery linked to the sale of a cellphone, according to police reports.
Despite his worsening condition, Burke found the strength to send a last, poignant message to his mother and sister.
“I am dying, I love you,” read his final text.
Though Burke succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, the former Marine heroically called 911, providing a description of the assailants that led to their rapid apprehension.
Jerry Reifeiss, Burke’s friend and fraternity brother of over 20 years, reflected that this heartfelt final message truly embodied the character of the man he knew so well.
‘That was just Ryan. He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt,’ Reifeiss told KRCG.
Reifeiss said Burke knew his wounds were severe but fought to remain conscious long enough to leave a trail for police and a message for his family.
Michael Ryan Burke, 42, lay bleeding inside his house on Sunday night after being shot during what police say was a robbery tied to the sale of a cellphone
As his injuries worsened, Burke managed to send one last text message to his mother and sister, pictued
Alexis Baumann, left, Kobe Aust, center and Joseph Crane all 18, along with an unidentified male juvenile, were allegedly involved in the killing
‘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,’ he said.
Prosecutors say three 18-year-olds, Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane, along with an unidentified male juvenile, were allegedly involved in the killing.
All four were arrested within days and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary, according to police and court records.
Crane faces two additional charges – unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. The juvenile also faces an additional charge for unlawful use of a weapon.
The three 18-year-olds are being held without bond in the Boone County Jail while the juvenile is being held at the Boone County Juvenile Office.
‘I’m very happy the police did their job and were able to get these people very quickly, assuming these are the correct people,’ Reifeiss said.
Friends are struggling to comprehend how Burke, who survived dangerous military missions, was killed during a routine online sale.
Reifeiss described Burke as a decorated Marine who carried the same resolve into civilian life that once drove him to enlist.
n Burke, 42, lay bleeding inside his Columbia, Missouri home on Sunday night after being shot
Friends are struggling to comprehend how Burke, left, who survived dangerous military missions, was killed during a routine online sale
After his military service, Burke pursued missionary work, including spending time spent in Uganda, and traveled widely
After his military service, Burke pursued missionary work, including time spent in Uganda, and traveled widely. He also worked security for the Trump administration, Reifeiss said.
Graduating from the University of Missouri where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity Burke double-majored in psychology and sociology.
In a 2016 Facebook post, Burke reflected on his education.
‘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 dangerous,’ he wrote.
Friends say he was especially passionate about volunteer work aimed at combating human trafficking, a cause he supported during his travels.
