Podcast Summary: "The Tacoma Girls // 527"
Introduction
In episode 527 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the haunting cases of two young girls who disappeared and were subsequently murdered in Tacoma, Washington, in the summer of 1986. This episode explores the investigations, breakthroughs, and eventual resolutions of these tragic cases, uncovering the unsettling connections and twists that emerged over three decades.
Case Overview: Michella Welch and Jenny Bastion
Timestamp: [03:15]
Daphne begins by recounting the disappearances of Michella Welch and Jenny Bastion, two young girls whose cases perplexed the Tacoma community for years. Michella, a 12-year-old sixth-grader, vanished on March 26, 1986, during spring break while riding her bike with her sisters at Puget Park. Despite extensive searches, her body was discovered two days later in a secluded grove, showing signs of sexual assault and a throat slit.
Similarly, Jenny Bastion, aged 13, disappeared on August 4, 1986, while biking alone in Point Defiance Park. Her remains were found nearly three weeks later, also showing evidence of sexual assault and strangulation. Both cases remained unsolved for decades, fueling fear and speculation within the community.
Initial Investigations and Challenges
Timestamp: [07:55]
Heath discusses the initial investigations, highlighting the difficulties faced by law enforcement due to limited forensic technology in the 1980s. Witnesses provided descriptions of potential suspects, but without advanced DNA testing, no arrests were made. Both cases shared disturbing similarities: the victims were young girls with light hair and blue eyes, and both were sexually assaulted. These factors led authorities to suspect a possible connection, raising fears of a serial predator in Tacoma.
Notable Quote:
Marilyn Aarons, a school program coordinator, remembered Michella as "very family conscious... always watching out for her younger sisters" ([04:24]).
Breakthroughs Decades Later
Timestamp: [31:02]
The turning point came in the mid-2000s when the Tacoma Police Department established a Cold Case Division to tackle over 200 unsolved cases. In 2006, preserved DNA samples from both crime scenes were re-examined using modern forensic techniques. While the DNA did not match anyone in the existing CODIS database, it revealed that two different individuals were responsible for the murders, debunking the initial theory of a single perpetrator.
Unraveling the Truth: Robert Washburn and Gary Hartman
Timestamp: [35:06]
The revamped investigation identified Robert Washburn and Gary Hartman as the culprits behind Jenny and Michella's murders, respectively.
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Robert Washburn
Washburn, aged 28 during the time of the murders, became a suspect after his DNA matched the seminal fluid found on Jenny's body. Despite having a seemingly normal life, Washburn confessed to Jenny's murder in 2018, explaining, "I strangled her until she died" ([43:29]). He was sentenced to approximately 27 years in prison. -
Gary Hartman
Hartman, 34 at the time, was linked to Michella's murder through a DNA match from a discarded napkin at his workplace. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, expressing remorse: "I am deeply sorry for the death of Jennifer" ([43:29]). Hartman received a similar 27-year sentence.
Notable Quotes:
- Detective Lindsey Wade on solving Jenny's case: "I think a black cloud has been lifted in Tacoma" ([50:59]).
- Gary Hartman's statement: "I sleep with regret every day" ([49:22]).
Impact and Aftermath
Timestamp: [51:34]
The resolution of these cases brought a semblance of closure to the families and the Tacoma community. Barbara Welch, Michella's mother, praised the detectives' unwavering commitment: "They hadn't forgotten. That really says a lot" ([50:59]). Additionally, the cases spurred legislative change with the enactment of Jennifer and Michella's Law in 2019, mandating DNA collection from individuals convicted of certain offenses to aid in solving future cases.
Conclusion
Timestamp: [53:00]
Daphne and Heath reflect on the parallel nature of the two cases and the unsettling revelation that two separate individuals were responsible for the murders. They emphasize the importance of advancements in forensic science and the perseverance of law enforcement in bringing justice, even decades later.
Notable Quote:
Daphne remarks, "It's too parallel in the weirdest way" ([52:16]).
Final Thoughts
This episode of Going West: True Crime not only sheds light on the tragic stories of Michella Welch and Jenny Bastion but also underscores the evolution of criminal investigations. The hosts effectively portray the emotional journey of the victims' families and the relentless pursuit of justice by the Tacoma Police Department, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of these cold cases.
Connect with Going West: True Crime
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Stay tuned for more gripping true crime stories every Tuesday and Friday.