COLUMBIA, Mo. – A former U.S. Marine and devoted missionary was tragically killed at his home this Sunday in a robbery that turned deadly. The incident, which involved the attempted sale of a smartphone via Facebook Marketplace, has led to the arrest of four teenagers, officials said.
Ryan Burke, 42, had listed an iPhone 15 Pro for nearly $600 on the online marketplace and had arranged a meeting at his residence for the transaction. According to authorities, the supposed buyers had planned to rob him.
The suspects identified by police include Kobe Aust, Joseph Crane, Alexis Baumann, all 18, and one unnamed juvenile. The plan involved Crane and the juvenile going inside Burke’s home under the guise of buying the iPhone while Baumann and Aust waited in a getaway car nearby.
Details provided by law enforcement revealed that Baumann heard gunshots shortly after Crane and the minor entered the home. The duo quickly exited the residence, rejoined Baumann and Aust, and the group fled the scene.
Shortly after the homicide, the group allegedly sold the stolen iPhone at an automated kiosk located inside a Walmart on Conley Road. Surveillance footage captured the teens at the location, which helped police piece together the sequence of events surrounding the tragic loss.
Despite his critical condition, Burke managed to alert emergency services and contact his family members to express his love in his final moments—a gesture that highlights his character and bravery.
Police suspect that this group may have been involved in other similar robberies. Detectives noted a pattern of thefts involving electronic devices in the area, with another incident occurring just days before where a juvenile suspect forcefully took a woman’s phone.
Using surveillance technology and license plate recognition, authorities were able to track down the vehicle used in Burke’s murder. Aust and Baumann were apprehended the following Monday, with Crane and the juvenile captured later that day.
The four suspects face charges that include second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action. They are currently being held without bond as investigations continue.
Burke, known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly in Uganda, was revered for his commitment to serving others. His untimely death has left a community in mourning, with friends and family calling for justice in this senseless act of violence.
The loss resonates deeply within the community, reflecting on Burke’s impactful life and the tragic circumstances of his passing. As investigations carry on, there is a collective hope for answers and accountability to prevent future tragedies tied to online marketplace transactions.