Kobe Aust, an 18-year-old from Missouri, faces additional charges for allegedly threatening another individual weeks before the murder of U.S. Marine veteran Ryan Burke. Court documents detail a pattern of violent threats and a Facebook Marketplace scam that led to Burke’s death.​
Incident Overview
Ryan Burke, 42, was shot on January 18, 2026, in his Columbia home during a fake iPhone sale arranged via Facebook Marketplace. Aust, along with Joseph Crane, Alexis Baumann (both 18), and a juvenile, allegedly targeted Burke as part of a robbery spree. Baumann reportedly drove and waited outside, hearing three gunshots before Crane and the juvenile fled with the stolen phone, later sold at a Walmart ecoATM.
Harassment Charge Details
On December 14, 2025, Aust allegedly texted and called a victim, threatening to “crunch” him—slang for kill—and beat him up, while displaying a firearm with an extended magazine on his Facebook page. The victim hid in fear, believing Aust knew his home and work locations and possessed a gun. Police confirmed the video, leading to a first-degree harassment charge; Aust’s preliminary hearing is set for March 26.​
Burke’s Final Moments
After being shot, Burke texted his family, “Hey, I’m dying and I love you,” and called 911 to report the robbery-shooting. A decorated Marine and missionary, he prioritized alerting loved ones even while dying, per family friend Jerry Reifeiss. Surveillance and Flock cameras helped police arrest the group quickly.
Charges and Status
All four suspects face second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action, held without bond (though Baumann later had $50,000 bond with conditions). Crane and the juvenile face extra weapons charges. The group hit at least two other phone robbery victims that day.
