Jobaaj Stories
Unraveling the Mystery of the Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood
In the spring of 2018, the seemingly quiet town of Bakersfield, California, was rocked by a series of unsettling events: the disappearance of two young adults and the murder of another. These tragedies, initially viewed as separate incidents, would soon become intertwined, forming a chilling true crime story that continues to grip audiences. This is the story of the Bakersfield 3, and the unwavering mothers who dedicated their lives to seeking justice.
The Bakersfield 3: A Tragedy Unfolds
The Bakersfield 3—Baylee Despot, Micah Holsonbake, and James Kulstad—were acquaintances whose lives tragically intersected. Micah Holsonbake, a 34-year-old, vanished in March 2018. His remains were later discovered in the Kern River. Baylee Despot, 20, disappeared in April 2018 and remains missing. James Kulstad, 38, was murdered in a separate incident that same month. Initially investigated separately, a series of coincidences and the relentless work of the victims' mothers would reveal a shocking connection.
- Micah Holsonbake: Last seen in March 2018; remains found in the Kern River.
- Baylee Despot: Missing since April 2018; whereabouts still unknown.
- James Kulstad: Murdered in April 2018; initially unrelated, later connected.
Frustrated by the slow progress in the investigations, the mothers—Cheryl Holsonbake, Jane Parrent, and Diane Byrne—formed an unbreakable bond. They pooled their resources, shared information, pursued leads independently and together, and ultimately played a pivotal role in solving parts of the complex puzzle. They named their children’s cases "The Bakersfield 3," generating significant public interest and support.
The Investigation and the Mothers' Unwavering Determination
The mothers' determination is a compelling aspect of this story. Their collaborative efforts led to the arrest and conviction of Matthew Queen, Baylee Despot's ex-boyfriend, for second-degree murder and torture in connection with Micah Holsonbake's death. Queen received a life sentence. Evidence showed that Queen, along with Despot, used the garage of another individual, Matthew Vandecasteele, to carry out the horrific crime. Vandecasteele received a plea deal in exchange for his testimony.
Tragically, James Kulstad's murder remains unsolved. While initially thought to be linked to the other cases, investigations determined it to be unrelated.
The mothers' dedication inspired other families with missing loved ones, highlighting the impact of perseverance and unity in the face of unimaginable grief.
The Bakersfield 3 Documentary: A Must-Watch
Investigation Discovery (ID) presents "The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood," a three-part docuseries that aired on May 11, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. The documentary delves deep into the investigations, showcasing the mothers' relentless efforts and the heartbreaking details of the cases. The series is available to stream on Max and through live TV streaming services like 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 powerful testament to the strength of maternal love and determination. The mothers' unwavering pursuit of truth not only brought some measure of justice for Micah Holsonbake but also brought much-needed attention to the crimes within their community. Their story is a testament to hope and resilience for families grappling with similar losses. The documentary is a compelling reminder of the importance of community support and the incredible strength of mothers fighting for justice.
Don't miss "The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood."
