Marine Veteran Michael Ryan Burke Sent Heartbreaking Final Text to Family After Being Fatally Shot During Facebook Marketplace Robbery in Columbia, Missouri

A decorated U.S. Marine veteran sent a heartbreaking final message to his loved ones after being fatally shot during what he believed was a legitimate Facebook Marketplace sale at his Columbia, Missouri home.

Michael Ryan Burke, 42, was shot and killed Sunday evening, Jan. 18, after arranging to sell his iPhone through Facebook Marketplace, according to the Columbia Police Department. Investigators say the planned transaction turned into a deadly robbery involving a group of four suspects.

Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Ridgemont Court around 8:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found Burke inside his home suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died.

Despite his injuries, Burke managed to call 911 and tell dispatchers that someone had come to his home to buy a phone and shot him, according to a probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE. During the call, Burke provided authorities with a description of the suspects.

Michael Ryan Burke.

In his final moments, Burke also sent a devastating text message to his mother and sister, writing, “I’m dying and I love you,” according to his longtime friend Jerry Reifeiss, who spoke with KRCG13.

Just days after the killing, Columbia police arrested three 18-year-olds—Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane—along with one unidentified juvenile male in connection with Burke’s death. All four face charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. Crane and the juvenile are additionally charged with unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.

Court documents reveal that the suspects are believed to have carried out a string of Facebook Marketplace robberies in the days leading up to Burke’s killing. Investigators say the group targeted individuals selling iPhones online, arranging meetups before stealing the devices at gunpoint.

Kobe Aust, Mugshot.

In one earlier incident, a victim reported having a firearm pointed at her while her phone was stolen. Surveillance footage later showed Baumann and Aust selling a stolen phone at a Walmart ecoATM, with video capturing all four suspects arriving together in the same vehicle.

On the night of Burke’s death, detectives reviewed messages on his phone showing he had arranged to sell an iPhone 15 Pro valued at approximately $585. After Burke shared his address, one of the suspects messaged him shortly before the shooting, writing, “I’m here.”

Reifeiss described Burke as a military hero who had served in dangerous missions during his time as a Marine. He said Burke’s final act—reaching out to his family—was entirely in character.

“That was just Ryan,” Reifeiss said. “He always put people in front of himself. Even at the end, he wanted his family to know he loved them and to make sure justice could be served.”

Baumann, Aust, and Crane are currently being held without bond at the Boone County Jail. The juvenile suspect remains in custody at the Boone County Juvenile Office. It is not yet known whether any of the defendants have retained legal counsel.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as the community mourns the loss of a Marine veteran whose life was cut short during a violent robbery disguised as an online sale.

Joseph Crane, Mugshot.