3 Indicted in Facebook Marketplace Shooting Death

Grand jury charges trio with felony murder, robbery, and armed criminal action

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Three adults - Joseph Crane, Kobe Aust, and Alexis Baumann - have been indicted by a Boone County grand jury on charges including felony murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action in connection with the January 18 shooting death of Michael Burke during a Facebook Marketplace cellphone sale. A juvenile suspect is also accused of being the shooter.

Why it matters

The case highlights the risks associated with in-person transactions arranged through online marketplaces, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting crimes involving minors. It also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in facilitating potentially dangerous exchanges between strangers.

The details

According to court documents, Baumann allegedly told police that the juvenile suspect shot Burke, took his iPhone, and then sold it at a local ecoATM. Crane and Aust, both from Columbia, are being held without bond, while Baumann, from Hallsville, has been released on bond. The three adults are scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.

  • The shooting incident occurred on January 18.
  • The three adults were indicted by a grand jury on February 23.
  • Crane and Aust's arraignments are scheduled for Monday afternoon.
  • Baumann's arraignment is set for 9 a.m. on March 30.

The players

Joseph Crane

An 18-year-old from Columbia, Missouri, charged with felony murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action.

Kobe Aust

An 18-year-old from Columbia, Missouri, charged with felony murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action.

Alexis Baumann

An 18-year-old from Hallsville, Missouri, charged with felony murder, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action.

Michael Burke

The victim who was shot and killed during the Facebook Marketplace cellphone sale.

Juvenile suspect

An unidentified minor accused of being the shooter in the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge will decide on Monday whether to allow Crane and Aust to be released on bail, while Baumann's arraignment is scheduled for March 30.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of exercising caution when arranging in-person transactions through online platforms, and the need for continued efforts to address youth violence and improve public safety in local communities.