The Facebook Marketplace Scam That Cost His Life // Michael Ryan Burke
Mon Feb 02 2026
When Michael Ryan Burke posted an iPhone on Facebook Marketplace, he was just trying to find an honest buyer, maybe haggle, and move on. But instead, he became the target of a Facebook marketplace scam that began a few days earlier.
A buyer agreed to meet for the phone, and Ryan gave his home address. But when the buyer showed up, he came armed and with a posse. He intended to steal the iPhone, not pay for it. Within minutes, Ryan lay dying on the floor of his house, but he managed to dial 911 and text his mom and sister that he loved them. Sadly, he died from his injuries.
Dig in with Margot, as she walks you through the probable cause affidavit and the investigation that lead to the arrest of 4 individuals who now stand charged with the murder of Michael Ryan Burke, a Marine veteran who was loved by all.
Reminder: All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
——
Buy/Sell Group Safety Tips:
#1. Meet In a Public Location - Consider a Safe Trade Station Near You - https://www.safetradestations.com/safetrade-station-list.html
#2. Buddy System - Never Go Alone.
#3. Share Location with a Trusted Person (if you can’t use the buddy system)
#4. Consider Safe Payment Options (try not to travel with large amounts of cash)
#5. Look at Buyer Profiles - Check for red flags. New Account? Fake Account? Rating?
⸻
Visit our sponsor: Quince.com/militarymama for free shipping and 365 day returns!
⸻
🎧Did you know you could listen to this episode ad-free? Join the True Crime Army Club! Visit patreon.com/militarymurder to view the current membership options!
⸻
Military Murder is a military true crime podcast that focuses on murders committed by military members, veterans, and sometimes their family members.
⸻
Don’t miss out on all things Mama Margot & Military Murder Podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamamargot
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@militarymargot
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/militarymurderpodcast
Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/militarytruecrime
Want to advertise on the show? Email info@truenativemedia.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More
When Michael Ryan Burke posted an iPhone on Facebook Marketplace, he was just trying to find an honest buyer, maybe haggle, and move on. But instead, he became the target of a Facebook marketplace scam that began a few days earlier. A buyer agreed to meet for the phone, and Ryan gave his home address. But when the buyer showed up, he came armed and with a posse. He intended to steal the iPhone, not pay for it. Within minutes, Ryan lay dying on the floor of his house, but he managed to dial 911 and text his mom and sister that he loved them. Sadly, he died from his injuries. Dig in with Margot, as she walks you through the probable cause affidavit and the investigation that lead to the arrest of 4 individuals who now stand charged with the murder of Michael Ryan Burke, a Marine veteran who was loved by all. Reminder: All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. —— Buy/Sell Group Safety Tips: #1. Meet In a Public Location - Consider a Safe Trade Station Near You - https://www.safetradestations.com/safetrade-station-list.html #2. Buddy System - Never Go Alone. #3. Share Location with a Trusted Person (if you can’t use the buddy system) #4. Consider Safe Payment Options (try not to travel with large amounts of cash) #5. Look at Buyer Profiles - Check for red flags. New Account? Fake Account? Rating? ⸻ Visit our sponsor: Quince.com/militarymama for free shipping and 365 day returns! ⸻ 🎧Did you know you could listen to this episode ad-free? Join the True Crime Army Club! Visit patreon.com/militarymurder to view the current membership options! ⸻ Military Murder is a military true crime podcast that focuses on murders committed by military members, veterans, and sometimes their family members. ⸻ Don’t miss out on all things Mama Margot & Military Murder Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamamargot TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@militarymargot Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/militarymurderpodcast Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/militarytruecrime Want to advertise on the show? Email info@truenativemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices