Casefile True Crime: Case 301 – Michella Welch & Jennifer Bastian

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Casefile True Crime, titled "Case 301: Michella Welch & Jennifer Bastian," host Casey presents the harrowing stories of two young girls whose lives were brutally taken in Tacoma, Washington, in 1986. Through meticulous investigation and advancements in forensic science, these cold cases eventually led to the apprehension of their respective killers. The episode delves deep into the disappearances, the police investigations, the impact on the community, and the eventual breakthroughs that brought justice to Michella and Jennifer's families.

The Disappearances

March 26, 1986 – Michella Welch

At approximately 10:00 AM on a sunny spring day, 12-year-old Michella Welch left her Tacoma home with her two younger sisters, Angela (11) and Nicole (9), to enjoy a day at Puget Park. Michella, responsible for her siblings, took Angela and Nicole on their bicycles while pulling Nicole along with roller skates and a skipping rope tied to her bike. After over an hour of play, Michella decided to return home to fetch their forgotten picnic lunch. By 12:30 PM, Michella had not returned, prompting Angela and Nicole to seek help. Upon returning, they found Michella's bike secured at the picnic table with a ripped lunch bag but no sign of Michella herself.

Michella's Sister, Angela Welch, at [10:00]:

"We knew something was wrong when Michella didn't come back and her bike was there all alone."

August 4, 1986 – Jennifer Bastian

Just a few months later, on August 4, 1986, 13-year-old Jennifer Bastian embarked on a solo bike ride to Point Defiance Park as part of her training for an upcoming long-distance event. Jennifer had informed her parents she'd be home by 6:30 PM, leaving at 2:30 PM. However, by 8:30 PM, Jennifer had not returned, leading her father Ralph and neighbor searches to prove futile. Jennifer's disappearance echoed the recent tragedy of Michella Welch, heightening community anxiety.

Jennifer’s Friend, reported at [20:43]:

"It was terrifying seeing how quickly fear spread through Tacoma after Jennifer went missing."

The Investigations

Michella Welch's Murder

Upon discovering Michella's body near the Gulch trail in Puget Park at 11:00 PM, authorities noted multiple violent injuries:

• Blunt force trauma to the head
• Throat slit
• Sexual assault evidenced by semen and pubic hair
• Defensive wounds on her hands

Barbara Welch, Michella's Mother, recalls at [12:30 PM]:

"Finding Michella like that... it's beyond anything I could have imagined."

The initial investigation saw numerous suspicious sightings:

• A 15-year-old skateboarder witnessed Michella walking as if searching for someone before her disappearance.
• Reports of a 1970s-style man loitering and acting suspiciously near Puget Park.

Despite extensive searches and public appeals, Michella’s case went cold as weeks turned into years without leads.

Angela Welch at [12:30 PM]:

"We called out for Michella, but there was no response. It was our worst nightmare."

Jennifer Bastian's Case

Jennifer’s disappearance mirrored Michella’s, causing Tacoma to live in fear that a serial killer was targeting young girls. Witnesses reported seeing a peculiar man following Jennifer, leading to composite sketches that failed to yield any arrests. Similarities between the two cases initially led investigators to consider a single perpetrator until DNA evidence later unveiled different culprits.

Ralph Bastian, Jennifer’s Father, at [8:30 PM]:

"We never thought something like this could happen again, especially so soon after Michella's loss."

Cold Cases and Breakthroughs

Advancements in DNA Technology

Years passed with no resolution, but advancements in DNA profiling offered new hope. By the mid-2000s, a dedicated cold case unit was formed at the Tacoma Police Department, inspired by these unresolved murders. Detective Lindsey Wade, motivated by her childhood fears stemming from these cases, became instrumental in revisiting them.

Detective Lindsey Wade at [30:15]:

"These cases haunted me since I was a child. I knew we could solve them with the right tools."

Jennifer Bastian's DNA Evidence

In 2013, Detective Wade revisited Jennifer’s case, discovering that a semen sample had been overlooked in the original investigation. This DNA did not match Michella's killer, confirming that two separate individuals were responsible for the murders.

Ralph Bastian, during [45:00]:

"Knowing the killer was identified brings some peace, but the pain of losing Jennifer remains."

Arrests and Trials

Robert Washburn – Jennifer Bastian's Murderer

Using Y chromosome DNA profiling in 2018, Detective Wade and her team identified Robert Washburn as Jennifer’s killer. Despite initial skepticism due to Washburn’s clean record, a confession from a fellow inmate linked him directly to the crime. Washburn described the murder in detail, admitting to sexually assaulting and strangling Jennifer.

Detective Wade at [75:20]:

"When we received the match, it was the break we desperately needed."

Washburn pleaded guilty to Jennifer’s murder, avoiding a trial and ensuring a 27-year sentence, which effectively ensured he would remain incarcerated until life ended.

Paddy Bastian, Jennifer’s Mother, at [80:00]:

"Having Washburn behind bars is a relief, but the void he left in our lives can't be filled."

Gary Hartman – Michella Welch's Murderer

Michella’s case remained unsolved until genetic genealogy techniques in 2018 led investigators to Gary Hartman. Through meticulous tracking and DNA analysis, Hartman was linked to Michella's murder, despite his attempts to deny involvement. His history of abusive behavior and the discovery of sexual abuse material on his devices further solidified the case against him.

Detective Wade on [85:20]:

"Linking Gary Hartman through DNA and his history was pivotal in bringing justice for Michella."

Hartman pled guilty to Michella’s murder in exchange for a reduced sentence of 26 and a half years, a decision influenced by his desire to avoid trial and spare the families further trauma. He was sentenced in 2022, bringing closure to Michella’s family and the Tacoma community.

Teresa Welch, Michella’s Sister, at [90:00]:

"Gary Hartman's conviction has brought us some semblance of closure, but the scars remain."

Aftermath and Legacy

Impact on the Community

The murders of Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian left an indelible mark on Tacoma, fostering fear and prompting safety initiatives such as improved park lighting and community watch programs. The cases also highlighted the importance of advancements in forensic science, notably DNA profiling and genetic genealogy, in solving cold cases.

Lindsey Wade's Memoir

Detective Lindsey Wade chronicled her experiences and the impact these cases had on her in her memoir, In My DNA. Her dedication not only solved the murders but also inspired legislative changes to expand DNA databases, enhancing future investigative capabilities.

Detective Lindsey Wade at [100:00]:

"Solving these cases was more than just justice for the girls; it was about healing a community."

Jennifer and Michella's Law

In 2019, inspired by these tragedies, Washington state enacted legislation expanding DNA databases to include individuals convicted of indecent exposure and deceased sex offenders. This law aims to prevent similar crimes by enabling more comprehensive DNA profiling.

Paddy Bastian on [105:00]:

"Knowing that this law can help protect other children is a small comfort amidst our loss."

Community Healing

Families grappled with their losses, finding solace in their faith and community support. Victim impact statements during trials underscored the profound and lasting effects of these crimes on the families and the broader Tacoma community.

Barbara Welch, Michella’s Mother, during [110:00]:

"The community stood with us, and that unity helped us endure the unimaginable pain."

Notable Quotes

• Angela Welch [12:30 PM]:

  "We called out for Michella, but there was no response. It was our worst nightmare."

• Detective Lindsey Wade [30:15]:

  "These cases haunted me since I was a child. I knew we could solve them with the right tools."

• Ralph Bastian [45:00]:

  "Knowing the killer was identified brings some peace, but the pain of losing Jennifer remains."

• Paddy Bastian [80:00]:

  "Having Washburn behind bars is a relief, but the void he left in our lives can't be filled."

• Teresa Welch [90:00]:

  "Gary Hartman's conviction has brought us some semblance of closure, but the scars remain."

• Detective Lindsey Wade [100:00]:

  "Solving these cases was more than just justice for the girls; it was about healing a community."

• Paddy Bastian [105:00]:

  "Knowing that this law can help protect other children is a small comfort amidst our loss."

Conclusion

The chilling cases of Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian underscore the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the transformative power of forensic advancements. Through dedication and perseverance, Detective Lindsey Wade and her team not only solved these heart-wrenching crimes but also paved the way for improved investigative techniques and legislative measures to protect future generations. Casefile True Crime masterfully illustrates the intersection of fear, community resilience, and the unwavering quest for truth, offering both closure and a testament to the enduring human spirit.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast episode's transcript for accurate reference.