Criminology Podcast: The Case of Amanda Stavik

Episode Date: January 4, 2026
Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Morford
Episode Theme:
A thorough exploration of the 1989 abduction, sexual assault, and murder of 18-year-old Amanda “Mandy” Stavik—a case that haunted her Washington community for decades, went unsolved for nearly 30 years, and was ultimately cracked through eyewitness persistence and modern DNA science.

Episode Overview

Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford return from the holiday break with a deep dive into the harrowing case of Amanda Stavik. The hosts revisit the facts of Mandy’s disappearance and murder in 1989, analyze the initial investigation, and examine how the case remained cold for years before a break due to the vigilance of two local women and the tenacious efforts of law enforcement and a brave coworker. The story highlights both failings and successes in investigative work, the impact on the Stavik family and community, and the eventual conviction and sentencing of Timothy Bass.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mandy Stavik’s Disappearance (07:00–13:20)

• 18-year-old Mandy returns home for Thanksgiving in Acme, Washington, and leaves for her regular run along a five-mile loop at 2:30 PM, accompanied by the family dog, Kyra.
• Hours later, Kyra returns home alone, agitated—a moment that raises a red flag for the family.
  • Mike Ferguson [09:48]: “But the thing that really jumps out to me in this case is Kyra...if Kyra comes back, Mandy should have come back.”
• Family searches the route; Mandy’s brother saw her pass by his friend’s house, which narrowed the search area.
• Police are contacted at 7 PM, with official searches beginning that night.

2. Discovery and Aftermath (13:20–16:51)

• Two days later, searchers find torn green sweatpants (likely Mandy’s) and, on November 27, discover Mandy’s nude body in the cold, shallow river; only socks and running shoes remain.
• Medical examiner and detectives report the scene as deeply traumatic—her body appeared as if merely sleeping.
  • Dr. Gary Goldfogle (as relayed): "We'd look at Mandy and say, you know, if we could shake her and warm her up, then she would wake up."
• Cause of death: Drowning; evidence shows Mandy had been knocked unconscious and sexually assaulted prior.
• Case immediately devastates family and close-knit community.

3. Investigation Stalls and Initial Leads (16:51–18:30)

• Mandy’s boyfriend and others close to her are quickly ruled out by early DNA tests.
• Nearly 8,000 leads flood investigators, but with no strong suspects and immature DNA technology, the case grows cold.
  • Mary Stavik (Mandy's mother, quoted): “I absolutely did not think it would ever get solved.” (18:30)

4. Break in the Case Decades Later (20:18–23:33)

• In 2013, two former classmates, Heather Backstrom and Marilee Anderson, independently suspect the same man: Timothy Bass, recalling their chilling encounters from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • Bass used creepy, manipulative behavior—propositioning Marilee, inappropriately touching 15-year-old Heather—and both women had been haunted by their gut feelings ever since.
  • Mike Morford [21:47]: “These two women had kept these interactions with Bass in their minds for years, so they truly must have been disturbed by him.”
• Their tip leads investigators to reconsider Bass, previously overlooked despite living along Mandy’s running route.

5. Timothy Bass: A Closer Look (23:49–29:01)

• No criminal history; attended the same high school; younger brother was Mandy’s friend.
• Bass's ex-wife describes controlling and violent behavior, including chilling boasts about getting away with murder:
  • Gina Malone (ex-wife, quoted): “I wouldn't get caught because I'm not that stupid...it would be easy to get away with it.” (25:13)
• Surprisingly, Bass and his family were never questioned in 1989; he refused DNA sampling when approached years later.
  • Mike Ferguson [27:09]: “It is shocking to me...here's a guy who lived on Mandy's street and was never even talked to or questioned...that just seems like Police Work 101.”

6. Modern Investigation & Key Hope (29:01–33:10)

• Detectives face obstacles: no warrants, no direct evidence, Bass’s elaborate attempts to conceal or remove all potential DNA from his job at Franz Bakery.
• Remarkably, Mandy had confided in others and in her journal about Bass’s unwanted attention.
• Coworker Kim Wagner, suspicious of Bass due to his behavior and police request for help, resolves to get his DNA.
  • Mike Ferguson [29:57]: “Who takes their lunch trash home with them from work? So it does sound as though he...knew what he had done and he knew what technology had evolved into.”
• In August 2017, Wagner successfully retrieves Bass's discarded Coke can and water cup, passing them to police.

7. DNA Breakthrough, Arrest & Trial (31:45–35:53)

• The DNA is a match to that found on Mandy’s body. Bass is arrested in December 2017.
• Community and original investigators deeply affected; prosecutor comes out of retirement to pursue the case.
• At trial, Bass’s brother testifies that Bass tried to concoct false alibis and even considered blaming his own father.
• Bass's defense: claims sexual encounter was consensual and murder was unrelated. This is flatly contradicted by all available evidence and community recollections.
• Jury finds Bass guilty of first-degree murder; statute of limitations prevents further charges.

8. Sentencing & Community Impact (37:30–48:33)

• Bass receives a 27-year sentence (maximum under sentencing laws from 1989).
  • Molly Stavik (Mandy’s sister, quoted): “Almost 30 years we suffered. I want him to suffer like we did.” (38:26)
• Family and hosts express frustration at the relatively short sentence and at the missed opportunities in the original investigation.
• Mandy’s murder and the delay in justice left a lasting scar. Parents and young women in the community grew up with heightened vigilance—their sense of safety permanently altered.
  • Amber Dawn (local, quoted): “I remember my mom and dad becoming extra vigilant, walking us to the bus stop and locking up the house when it had never seemed important in our small town to do that before.” (45:38)
• Mandy’s step-sister, mother, and investigators praise the bravery of the women who called in tips and Kim Wagner’s determination, recognizing them as heroes.

9. Reflection and Unanswered Questions (48:33–52:42)

• Mandy was not the first Stavik child to be murdered; her older brother Brent was killed in an unsolved 1975 shooting in Alaska.
• Hosts question how Bass avoided earlier scrutiny and whether he may have committed other crimes.
• Praise for those who broke the case open years later; the episode ends with a meditation on the pain and resilience of the family and the importance of community vigilance and modern forensic work.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Ferguson [09:48]:
  “But the thing that really jumps out to me in this case is Kyra...if Kyra comes back, Mandy should have come back.”

• Dr. Gary Goldfogle (via Morford) [13:20]:
  "We'd look at Mandy and say, you know, if we could shake her and warm her up, then she would wake up."

• Gina Malone (Timothy Bass’s ex-wife) [25:13]:
  “I wouldn't get caught because I'm not that stupid...it would be easy to get away with it.”

• Mary Stavik (Mandy’s mom) [18:30]:
  “I absolutely did not think it would ever get solved.”

• Molly Stavik (Mandy’s sister) [38:26]:
  “Almost 30 years we suffered. I want him to suffer like we did.”

• Amber Dawn (community member) [45:38]:
  “I remember my mom and dad becoming extra vigilant, walking us to the bus stop and locking up the house when it had never seemed important in our small town to do that before.”

• Bridget Whitson (Mandy’s stepsister) [43:16]:
  "Normal means not having to worry about the monster being out there. The monster is not lurking anymore.”

Important Timestamps

• 03:14–07:00: Intro, holiday context, setup for Mandy's case
• 07:00–13:20: Timeline of Mandy’s disappearance and the search
• 13:20–16:51: Discovery of Mandy’s body, initial evidence
• 16:51–18:30: Early suspects cleared, case goes cold
• 20:18–23:33: 2013–2017: Eyewitnesses break the case open
• 29:01–33:10: Kim Wagner’s role in securing Bass’s DNA
• 31:45–35:53: DNA match, arrest, trial, and defense
• 37:30–39:54: Sentencing, family’s reaction, criticism of the investigation
• 45:38: Community impact revealed through personal accounts
• 48:33–52:42: Reflections, the unresolved murder of Mandy’s brother, legacy of the case

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The tone is reflective, meticulous, and compassionate, combining methodical case analysis with empathy for Mandy’s family and their community. Both hosts celebrate the perseverance of ordinary people—especially women who trusted their instincts and came forward—and underline the tragic consequences of investigative oversights. Their discussion is grounded in respect for the victim’s memory and the local impact, while also acknowledging the flawed but ultimately redemptive course of justice.

Heroes of the Case

• Heather Backstrom & Marilee Anderson: Their willingness to revisit past fears and approach authorities broke the case open.
• Kim Wagner: Risked suspicion and reprisal to secure crucial DNA evidence for investigators.

Final Reflection

• Justice for Amanda Stavik was delayed, but not denied; her case stands as a testament to the power of community, the long arm of forensic science, and the courage of those who speak up.