MARINE VETERAN SLAIN IN FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE ROBBERY: Columbia Hero Michael Ryan Burke Remembered for Life of Service

Veteran Marine Michael Ryan Burke, 42, died after being shot at his home in Columbia, Missouri on January 18, 2026. What began as a normal Facebook Marketplace sale of an iPhone, turned into a robbery. In his final moments, Burke called 911 to describe the suspects and texted his mother, Erlinda Burke, and his sister, Maria Werly, “I’m dying and I love you.”
Michael was a University of Missouri graduate with degrees in psychology and sociology. He served as a Force Reconnaissance Staff Sergeant with combat experience, worked as a firefighter for the City of Columbia, served as a pastor, and dedicated himself to missionary work in places like Uganda, Haiti, and Iraq, along with efforts against human trafficking.
Michael’s longtime friend and fraternity brother Jerry Reifeiss said, “That was just Ryan. He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt.”
Let us honor Michael’s life by remembering his name. Rest in peace, Marine.

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