Decorated Marine Veteran Sends Heartbreaking Final Message to Family Before Passing Away
A tragic incident unfolded when Michael Ryan Burke, a decorated Marine veteran, was fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace deal gone wrong. In his final moments, Burke managed to send a heartbreaking message to his family, texting his mother and sister, “I am dying, I love you,” as recounted by his long-term friend Jerry Reifeiss in an interview with KRCG.
“That was just Ryan. He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt,” Reifeiss shared.
Despite being shot at his home in Columbia, Burke summoned the strength to call 911 and provide a description of his attackers to the operator before being rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Reifeiss described Burke as a military hero who had undertaken dangerous operations before transitioning to missionary work in Uganda, traveling extensively, and even working in security for the Trump administration.
Arrests Made in Connection to Burke’s Death
Following the shooting, Missouri locals Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane, all 18 years old, along with an unidentified male juvenile, were apprehended on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and burglary by the Columbia Police Department.
Crane, a resident of Columbia, faced additional charges for unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. The three 18-year-olds are currently held without bond at the Boone County Jail, while the juvenile is in the custody of 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 commented on the swift arrests.
