Introduction to the Suspect’s Father
The father of Guy Edward Bartkus, the man investigators suspect of bombing a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, says he was shocked to learn about the explosion and his son, despite not having talked to him in about a decade.
"He had a good heart, and it’s hard for me to believe that this was him," said Richard Bartkus.
Relationship with the Suspect
The last time Bartkus saw his son was about 12 to 13 years ago, he says, after divorcing Guy’s mother and losing legal custody. Guy later moved to Twentynine Palms with his mother, according to his father.
Bartkus described his son as a "good kid" who enjoyed playing video games.
"He used to stick up for people. If somebody, bigger kids, were picking on smaller kids, he would help the smaller kids. They’d make big kids leave them alone," said Bartkus.
Last Contact and Reunion Hopes
Although the two had not spoken in about 12 years, Bartkus says he always thought they would eventually meet again.
"I’m totally sad because I know, I always thought we might have a chance of getting back together. I haven’t seen him in 12 years and now I’ll never see him again," said Bartkus.
The Palm Springs Bombing
Guy was killed and at least four others were injured after a car exploded outside the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
Anti-natalist ideology appears to be the motive behind Saturday’s deadly bombing, two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News.
Suspect’s Ideology and Online Activities
When asked about the alleged Anti-natalist ideology, Bartkus says he was unfamiliar with the beliefs.
"I’ve never known a believer in anything like that before, no," said Bartkus. "I’ve never even heard him talk about something like that."
Bartkus used a unique online identity in recent months as he posted about being a self-described "anti-natalist," sources tell NBC4’s Eric Leonard.
Videos posted online several months ago, tied to the same identity, appear to show experiments with homemade explosives and a sophisticated understanding of chemistry.
Investigation and Aftermath
FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis says agents are still examining the potential motive and says it’s too soon to confirm much, but he says the bomb that was built was extremely powerful, and it completely destroyed Bartkus’s Ford sedan and scattered debris for blocks around.
Conclusion
The bombing in Palm Springs has left many questions unanswered, and the investigation is ongoing. The suspect’s father, Richard Bartkus, is still trying to come to terms with the fact that his son was involved in such a tragic event. As more information becomes available, it is likely that the case will continue to unfold, providing insight into the motivations behind the bombing.
FAQs
Q: What was the motive behind the Palm Springs bombing?
A: Anti-natalist ideology appears to be the motive behind the bombing, according to senior law enforcement officials.
Q: What was the relationship like between Guy Bartkus and his father?
A: Guy Bartkus and his father, Richard Bartkus, had not spoken in about 12 years, but Richard described Guy as a "good kid" who had a good heart.
Q: What kind of online activities was Guy Bartkus involved in?
A: Guy Bartkus used a unique online identity to post about being a self-described "anti-natalist" and posted videos showing experiments with homemade explosives.
Q: How many people were injured in the bombing?
A: At least four people were injured in the bombing, in addition to Guy Bartkus, who was killed.
