Marine veteran killed in Facebook Marketplace robbery in Missouri

A 42-year-old Marine veteran is dead and four teenagers are in police custody following what authorities describe as an online sale turned robbery in Columbia, Missouri.

(NBC)- A 42-year-old Marine veteran is dead and four teenagers are in police custody following what authorities describe as an online sale turned robbery in Columbia, Missouri.

Police say Michael Ryan Burke was fatally shot late Sunday after arranging to sell his phone through Facebook Marketplace. Investigators say the potential buyers arrived armed, stole the phone, and opened fire.

Emergency radio traffic captured the chaos as officers responded to the scene, reporting “shots fired with a confirmed victim” and an unknown suspect location.

According to police, Burke was critically wounded but still managed to call 911. A longtime friend, Jerry Reifeiss, said Burke was determined not to let the suspects escape.

“He did not want these people to just get away with this — literally get away with murder,” Reifeiss said.

Before dying, Burke also tried to call his family. When they didn’t answer, he sent a final text message.

“He just said, ‘I am dying and I love you,’” Reifeiss said.

Authorities later arrested three 18-year-olds and one juvenile suspect. All are facing murder and robbery charges. Police say one of the suspects has pleaded not guilty.

The killing highlights a growing concern over violence linked to online marketplace transactions. In recent years, similar deals have turned deadly, including a 2023 shooting involving an off-duty NYPD officer during a car purchase and another fatal incident in Texas.

Facebook has not responded to a request for comment. Safety experts continue to urge the public to use “safe exchange zones,” such as police station parking lots, when conducting online sales.

Burke is being remembered as a devoted friend and a Marine veteran dedicated to serving others.