Marine Vet Killed in Facebook Marketplace Robbery Spoke to Police, Texted Family Before Dying

A decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran was fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace meetup at his home in Columbia, Missouri, and spent his final moments describing his attackers to police and sending a goodbye message to his family, according to authorities and family friends, as reported by The New York Post.

Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was shot Sunday during what police described as a sale-turned-robbery involving a cellphone.

Officers with the Columbia Police Department said Burke was attacked inside his residence after meeting individuals he believed were there for a Marketplace transaction.

Tragic: Decorated Marine vet Michael Ryan Burke, 42, shot dead in MO home during FB Marketplace phone sale robbery. Called 911 describing attackers, texted family goodbye. 3 teens + juvenile charged w/ murder. RIP. pic.twitter.com/tHIP7FmwsM

— ChaosHavenTVOfficial (@ChaosHavenTV_) January 22, 2026

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

Investigators said Burke was able to call 911 after being shot and provided a description of his attackers before emergency responders arrived. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police said three 18-year-olds — Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane — along with an unidentified juvenile male, were arrested and charged in connection with the killing.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

All four suspects face charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and burglary. Crane faces two additional charges for unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.

The juvenile suspect faces an additional charge for unlawful use of a weapon, police said.

Baumann, Aust, and Crane are being held without bond at the Boone County Jail. The juvenile is being held at the Boone County Juvenile Office.

Burke’s longtime friend and fraternity brother, Jerry Reifeiss, described Burke’s final actions in an interview with KRCG 13.

Reifeiss said Burke’s ability to focus on others, even while critically injured, reflected the same character that led him to serve in the military.

According to Reifeiss, Burke not only stayed on the phone with emergency dispatchers but also sent a final message to his family. He texted his mother and sister, “I’m dying, and I love you,” before losing consciousness.

“That was just Ryan. He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people know how he felt,” Reifeiss said.

Court documents say someone shot and killed 42-year-old Ryan Burke of Columbia during a Facebook marketplace purchase involving a cell phone. ⁦@KRCG13⁩ pic.twitter.com/OZz0FAnkIP

— Mark Slavit (@MSlavitKRCG13) January 20, 2026

“He didn’t want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them.”

Burke was a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he double-majored in psychology and sociology. In a 2016 Facebook post, Burke described his education as “the greatest investment in [his] future.”

“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,” Burke wrote.

Friends said that when Burke was not on active duty, he was involved in missionary and volunteer work abroad, including time spent in Uganda. He also highlighted his involvement in efforts combating human trafficking.

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.