A decorated U.S. Marine veteran used his final moments to send a heartbreaking message to his family after a Facebook Marketplace deal spiraled into a fatal robbery in Columbia.
Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was shot inside his home during what police say was a robbery linked to the sale of a cellphone. As he lay bleeding, knowing his injuries were severe, Burke sent one final text to his mother and sister: “I am dying, I love you.”
Despite his condition, Burke managed to call 911, calmly describing his attackers. That call helped police quickly identify and arrest the suspects. He later died in hospital from his wounds.
Friends say the final message reflected exactly who Burke was. A longtime friend described him as someone who always put others first and refused to slip away without making sure his family knew he loved them—and that justice had a chance to be served.
Prosecutors say three 18-year-olds—Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane—along with an unidentified juvenile, were involved in the killing. All four were arrested within days and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. Additional weapons charges were also filed.
The suspects are being held in Boone County Jail, while the juvenile is in county custody.
Burke’s death has stunned those who knew him. Friends struggle to understand how a man who survived military deployments and dedicated his life to service—including missionary work abroad and volunteer efforts against human trafficking—was killed during a routine online sale.
