Jobaaj Stories
Unraveling the Mystery of the Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood
In the spring of 2018, Bakersfield, California, was shaken by a series of disturbing events: the disappearance of two young adults and the murder of another. These seemingly unconnected incidents, however, would soon become inextricably linked, forming a chilling true crime story that continues to captivate audiences. This is the story of the Bakersfield 3, and the unwavering mothers who fought for justice.
The Bakersfield 3: A Tragedy Unfolds
The Bakersfield 3 – Baylee Despot, Micah Holsonbake, and James Kulstad – were all young adults, and acquaintances who found themselves tragically entangled in a web of violence and mystery. Micah Holsonbake, a 34-year-old veteran, disappeared in March 2018. His remains were tragically discovered months later in the Kern River. Baylee Despot, a 20-year-old, vanished in April 2018, and remains missing to this day. James Kulstad, 38, was murdered in a separate incident in April 2018. While initially treated as separate cases, a string of coincidences and the tireless investigations of the victims' mothers would reveal a terrifying connection.
- Micah Holsonbake: Last seen in March 2018; remains found in Kern River.
- Baylee Despot: Missing since April 2018; whereabouts still unknown.
- James Kulstad: Murdered in April 2018; case initially unrelated but later connected.
Desperate for answers and frustrated by the initial lack of progress in the investigations, the mothers—Cheryl Holsonbake, Jane Parrent, and Diane Byrne—banded together. They shared information, pursued leads, and ultimately helped solve a significant portion of the puzzle. They dubbed their children’s cases "The Bakersfield 3," galvanizing support and attention to the crimes.
The Investigation and the Mothers' Unwavering Determination
The mothers' relentless pursuit of justice is a powerful element of this story. Their combined efforts ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Matthew Queen, Baylee Despot's ex-boyfriend, on charges of second-degree murder and torture in connection with Micah Holsonbake's death. Queen was sentenced to life in prison. Evidence revealed that Queen, along with Despot, used the garage of another individual, Matthew Vandecasteele, to torture and kill Holsonbake. Vandecasteele received a plea deal and cooperated with the prosecution.
Sadly, James Kulstad's murder remains a separate, unsolved case. Although initially suspected of being connected to the others, it was ultimately determined to be unrelated.
The mothers’ dedication served as a beacon of hope for other families with missing loved ones. Their actions underscore the powerful impact that determination and unity can have when confronting tragedy.
The Bakersfield 3 Documentary: A Must-Watch
Investigation Discovery (ID) presents “The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood,” a three-part docuseries airing May 11, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. The documentary offers a deep dive into the investigations, showcasing the mothers' tireless efforts and the heartbreaking details of the cases. This compelling true-crime story is available to stream on Max and is also accessible through various live TV streaming services, including Philo and DirecTV Stream, both offering free trials.
- Part 1: "One Mystery - or Three?"
- Part 2: "The Boogieman of Bakersfield."
- Part 3: "Fight Like a Mother."
Conclusion: A Legacy of Perseverance
The Bakersfield 3 case is a testament to the enduring power of maternal love and determination in the face of unspeakable tragedy. The mothers' commitment to uncovering the truth not only brought a measure of justice for Micah Holsonbake but also shone a light on the dark underbelly of their community. Their unwavering pursuit of answers and their decision to work together offers a message of hope and resilience for all families impacted by similar losses. The documentary serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of community support and the unyielding strength of mothers seeking justice for their children. Don't miss "The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood".
