Marine Veteran’s Final Text of Love Before Tragic Death in Missouri Robbery

In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the Columbia, Missouri community, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting of 42-year-old Marine veteran Michael Ryan Burke. The tragedy, which occurred on January 18, reveals not only the senseless loss of a respected community member but also highlights the increasing dangers associated with online marketplace transactions. According to Jerry Reifeiss, a friend of Burke’s, the veteran managed to call 911 and describe his assailants before sending a final, haunting text message to his mother and sister saying, “Hey I’m dying and I love you.” Court documents indicate that the fatal shooting took place during what should have been a routine Facebook Marketplace transaction involving a cell phone, transforming what many consider an everyday activity into a deadly encounter.

The Columbia Police Department moved swiftly in their investigation, arresting three 18-year-olds and one juvenile within days of the murder. Alexis Baumann of Hallsville faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. Kobe Aust of Columbia faces identical charges. Joseph Crane, also from Columbia, faces additional charges including armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. The male juvenile suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, faces the same serious charges as Crane. The quick apprehension of all suspects involved demonstrates the priority placed on solving this case, though it provides little consolation to those mourning Burke’s loss.

Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Burke’s life story reveals a man deeply committed to service and compassion. As a Marine, he embodied the core values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the Corps. But his service to others extended well beyond his military career. Friends describe Burke as “a genuinely good human” who lived his life in service to both “God and Country.” His multifaceted personality encompassed many passions – he was remembered as a humanitarian, a musician, a car enthusiast, and a martial artist. Those who knew him speak of a man who consistently reached out to others in need, offering support, encouragement, and guidance without expectation of anything in return.

The impact of Burke’s kindness is perhaps best illustrated through the testimony of Tyler Woodsome, who credits the veteran with helping him maintain his sobriety. In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Woodsome revealed that Burke regularly checked in on him during his 18-month sobriety journey, offering spiritual guidance and motivation. “He didn’t have to reach out to check in, but he did,” Woodsome wrote, explaining how Burke would encourage him to attend church and remind him of “God’s love.” These small but consistent acts of compassion made a profound difference, with Woodsome acknowledging that Burke’s support “kept me in the fight and helped me through the darkness.” Such testimonials paint a picture of a man who lived his values daily, making his violent death all the more tragic for those who benefited from his kindness.

This case also brings renewed attention to the potential dangers associated with online marketplace transactions. What began as a routine cell phone purchase turned deadly, underscoring the vulnerability that can exist when meeting strangers for such exchanges. Safety experts have long recommended conducting such transactions in public places, preferably at designated “safe exchange zones” that many police departments now offer. These zones, typically located in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras, provide a safer alternative to meeting at private residences. Burke’s death serves as a sobering reminder of why such precautions are necessary, even as most marketplace exchanges occur without incident.

As the community mourns the loss of Michael Ryan Burke, his legacy continues through the lives he touched. The Marine veteran who sent a final text of love to his family demonstrated throughout his life the same selfless concern for others that characterized his last moments. For those who knew him, Burke will be remembered not for the tragic circumstances of his death, but for how he lived – with honor, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others find their way through darkness. While the legal system proceeds with bringing the accused to justice, Burke’s friends and family are left to celebrate the life of a man who, in Woodsome’s words, was “a genuinely good human” who made the world better through countless small acts of kindness that together formed a remarkable legacy of love and service.