Detailed Summary of "The Bakersfield Three - Episode 1"

Introduction to "The Bakersfield Three"

In the first episode of "The Bakersfield Three," hosted by Olivia Lavoise and produced by Casefile Presents, listeners are introduced to a gripping true crime story unfolding in Bakersfield, California. This episode delves into the mysterious disappearances of two friends and the subsequent murder of a third, unraveling a complex web of events that shook the local community to its core.

Olivia Lavoise's Role and Background

Olivia Lavoise, an award-winning journalist, serves as the host of the series. With five years of dedicated reporting on the case, Olivia provides an in-depth, real-time narrative of the events as they unfolded. Her hands-on experience and empathetic approach bring a compelling perspective to the investigation.

Olivia Lavoise [04:50]: "There's no way two friends just go missing within a month of each other. Somehow, some way, I know they're connected. It's a haunting mystery, one that seems to grow more complex and dark."

The Disappearances and Murder

The case centers around the disappearance of Micah Holzenbake and Bailey Desbot, followed by the murder of their mutual friend, James Kohlstad. These incidents occurred in quick succession, raising suspicions about a possible connection between them.

Arturo [05:03]: "And in between those two disappearances, a murder in a Bakersfield neighborhood where crime is rather rare."

Initial Investigations and Clues

Olivia recounts her early days as a local news reporter driven by a relentless pursuit of breaking news. Her persistence led to the discovery of a crucial search warrant concerning Matt Queen, a man connected to the missing Bailey Desbot.

Olivia Lavoise [05:47]: "Working in Bakersfield as a local news reporter was a unique time in my life. I had a hunger and drive I don't think could ever be replicated."

The warrant revealed Matt Queen's possession of a firearm as a felon and his connection to Bailey, marked by surveillance footage of him leaving her belongings at a friend's home, armed during the act.

Arturo [11:20]: "I'm like, oh, my God. That's Matt Queen, and he's got a gun."

Matt Queen's Suspicious Activities

Further investigation uncovered Matt Queen's strange behavior and his extensive, bizarre social media presence. His posts and text messages indicated a tumultuous relationship with Bailey and animosity towards her mother, Jane.

Olivia Lavoise [10:26]: "I thought looking at him for illegal guns was just their way in. And having this warrant was my way into the story."

Queen's manipulative actions, such as instructing his wife to retrieve "evidence" from his car, raised significant red flags about his possible involvement in the disappearances.

Jane [13:06]: "If you open it, you're inside in that Snapchat. It is all crime, like evidence to show that Jane is a fucking lying, manipulative, crazy person."

The Mothers' Collaborative Investigation

As the case deepened, the mothers of Micah, James, and Bailey—Cheryl, Di, and Jane—formed a united front to investigate their children's disappearances. Their determination led them to collaborate closely, sharing information and pooling their resources to uncover the truth.

Olivia Lavoise [30:22]: "The three of them were emboldened and quickly adopted the motto, fight like a mother."

Each mother brought unique skills to the investigation: Jane actively distributed missing person flyers, Cheryl organized and analyzed data, and Di coordinated meetings and communications. Their teamwork proved instrumental in connecting the dots between the three cases.

Matt Queen [32:01]: "Yeah, the detective work we did, the Google Earthings and the calling and the looking people up and we learned how to look and track people down."

Connecting the Cases

Olivia highlights how the interconnectedness of the three friends became apparent through meticulous research and community engagement. The realization that Micah, James, and Bailey shared a common circle of friends and acquaintances was crucial in understanding the broader context of their disappearances.

Olivia Lavoise [28:10]: "As it was relayed to me that Micah, James, and Bailey all knew each other and their mothers were trying to figure out if the three were connected, I knew I had to get the three moms in a room together."

Community Impact and Ongoing Mystery

The case not only affected the immediate families but also the wider Bakersfield community, challenging the perception of safety in their neighborhoods. Olivia's reporting captures the tension and fear that gripped the town as new evidence emerged, suggesting deeper criminal activities possibly linked to the disappearances and murder.

Olivia Lavoise [33:05]: "It was a lot to untangle. The first, most pressing issue was understanding the ties between Micah, James, and Bailey."

Conclusion and Future Developments

The episode concludes with unresolved questions and a suspenseful teaser for future installments. Olivia hints at the complexities yet to be uncovered, promising listeners that the investigation will continue to reveal startling truths.

Olivia Lavoise [33:53]: "It's one of the few times in my career where I've kind of almost been warned. Hey, you don't want to dig too deep on this one. That's next time on the Bakersfield 3."

Final Thoughts

"The Bakersfield Three - Episode 1" sets the stage for a compelling true crime series, blending investigative journalism with personal narratives. Through Olivia Lavoise's dedicated reporting and the mothers' relentless pursuit of justice, the episode offers a profound exploration of loss, resilience, and the quest for truth in the face of uncertainty.