The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood – A Story of Loss, Love, and Justice
In the spring of 2018, the quiet community of Bakersfield, California, was rocked by a series of tragic events that left three young lives either lost or taken within a mere 34 days. These incidents, collectively known as the "Bakersfield 3," have been meticulously explored in a new three-part true crime docuseries, "The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood," which premiered on Investigation Discovery (ID) on May 11, 2025. The series, described as “gripping from start to finish” by Rotten Tomatoes, centers on the relentless pursuit of truth by three mothers—Cheryl Holsonbake, Jane Parrent, and Diane Byrne—whose children, Micah Holsonbake, Baylee Despot, and James Kulstad, respectively, were at the heart of these tragedies. This blog delves into the details of the cases, the mothers’ journey, and the lasting impact on the Kern County community.
The Tragic Events of Spring 2018
The Bakersfield 3 case revolves around three individuals whose lives were intertwined through friendship, shared struggles, and, ultimately, tragedy. Below is a detailed look at each case:
Micah Holsonbake: A Veteran’s Tragic End
Micah Holsonbake, a 35-year-old veteran, disappeared on March 23, 2018. His life had been marked by challenges, including opioid addiction following a surgery in 2003, which led to the loss of his banking job. To support himself, Micah began building guns, a venture that brought him into contact with Matthew Queen. Reported missing by his parents, Cheryl and Lance Holsonbake, on April 4, 2018, Micah’s fate remained unknown until August 2018, when his severed arm was found in the Kern River, bearing zip ties and saw marks. His skull was later discovered in Lake Ming in August 2021, confirming he had been tortured and killed in March 2018.
In May 2020, Matthew Queen and Baylee Despot were charged with over two dozen crimes, including murder and torture, related to Micah’s death, stemming from a dispute over a missing gun. Queen was convicted in May 2022 on 24 of 35 counts and sentenced in June 2022 to 30 years to life plus 56 years (KGET News). Matthew Vandecasteele, another associate, took a plea deal in 2021 for four years, testifying against Queen. A $10,000 reward remains for information leading to further details about Micah’s case (Kern Secret Witness).
James Kulstad: An Unsolved Murder
James Kulstad, aged 38, was shot dead on April 8, 2018, while driving down a cul-de-sac in Bakersfield. A friend of Micah Holsonbake, whom he met through their shared employment at Wells Fargo, James had battled drug addiction since a leg surgery in 2007, which escalated from prescription drugs to street drugs. His mother, Diane Byrne, firmly believes his murder is connected to the other Bakersfield 3 cases, though police have stated it is unrelated to Micah’s death. Despite extensive investigations, no arrests have been made, and the case remains open with a $10,000 reward for information (Kern Secret Witness).
Baylee Despot: A Missing Suspect
Baylee Despot, then 20, vanished on April 24, 2018, after texting her mother, Jane Parrent, that “court went real bad” following a court appearance for gun charges. In a relationship with Matthew Queen and living with him, Baylee was due to have dinner with her mother but never arrived. She remains missing, with a $16,000 reward offered for information on her whereabouts (Kern Secret Witness). Complicating her case, Baylee was charged alongside Queen with the torture and murder of Micah Holsonbake, with an active arrest warrant issued. Her mother believes Queen may have played a role in her disappearance, noting Baylee was reportedly pregnant and attempting to leave Queen at the time.
Individual | Date of Incident | Details | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
Micah Holsonbake | March 23, 2018 | Veteran, missing; arm found August 2018, skull August 2021; tortured, killed. | Matthew Queen convicted, sentenced to 30 years to life plus 56 years; $10,000 reward. |
James Kulstad | April 8, 2018 | Shot dead while driving; struggled with drug addiction. | Unsolved; no arrests; $10,000 reward. |
Baylee Despot | April 24, 2018 | Missing after court appearance; charged with Micah’s murder. | Remains missing; $16,000 reward; active arrest warrant. |
The Mothers’ Unyielding Pursuit
The heart of the docuseries lies in the strength of Cheryl Holsonbake, Jane Parrent, and Diane Byrne, who united in their grief to form the Bakersfield 3 Charity in April 2019 (Bakersfield 3 Charity). Cheryl Holsonbake, in particular, has been a driving force, sharing information on missing person cases and advocating for justice. Her relief at Queen’s conviction was palpable, as she noted the accountability it brought for the trauma inflicted (People). The mothers’ collaboration uncovered critical connections between the cases, transforming their personal losses into a collective mission to support others.
The Docuseries: A Tale of Resilience
Premiering on May 11, 2025, on ID, "The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood" is a three-part series directed by Amy Berg, based on a 2022 Marie Claire feature. It uses interviews, police footage, and court records to explore the complexities of the cases, airing all episodes consecutively for a comprehensive narrative. The series not only recounts the tragic events but also celebrates the mothers’ resilience, as they navigate a “labyrinth of clues, dead ends, and unexpected revelations” (Daily Mail).
Community Impact and Ongoing Legacy
The Bakersfield 3 case has left an indelible mark on Kern County, highlighting issues of drug addiction, violence, and the emotional toll on families. The mothers’ advocacy through the Bakersfield 3 Charity has provided support for families of missing persons and contributed to crime-solving efforts via the Kern Secret Witness Program. Their work underscores the power of community and maternal love, offering hope amidst tragedy.
Conclusion
"The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood" is a poignant exploration of loss, love, and the unyielding spirit of three mothers who refused to let their children’s stories fade. As it brings this complex narrative to a wider audience, it serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and community support. For those wishing to learn more or contribute, the Bakersfield 3 Charity and Kern Secret Witness tip lines remain vital resources.