4 suspects, including a male juvenile, have been arrested in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting of Michael Ryan Burke, a 42-year-old U.S. Marine veteran and missionary, during a Facebook Marketplace meetup scam in Columbia, Missouri.
Police say the group arranged to buy Burke’s iPhone under false pretenses, then entered his home armed and shot him on Jan. 18 before stealing the phone and later selling it. Court documents allege the suspects were involved in a broader robbery spree targeting phone sellers.
Burke, known for his humanitarian and Christian missionary work overseas, was able to call 911 after being shot and reportedly sent a final message to his family. The suspects face multiple charges including second-degree murder, robbery, and burglary. A GoFundMe has raised more than $25,000 for funeral costs.
Pray for Michael’s family…
