The Bakersfield Three: Episode 18 - The Chiropractor

Host: Olivia Lavoice
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Description: In this compelling episode of The Bakersfield Three, Olivia Lavoice delves deep into the murky circumstances surrounding the murder of James Kolstead. As connections between multiple cases unfold, the episode highlights the relentless pursuit of truth by the victims' mothers amidst personal tragedies and community upheavals.

1. Case Background

The Bakersfield Three centers around the mysterious disappearances and murders within a close-knit community. This episode focuses on James Kolstead, whose murder adds complexity to the intertwined cases of Michael Holsonbake's disappearance and Bailey Despot's disappearance.

• James Kolstead's Murder: James was attacked and found dead outside the home of a local chiropractor, who has been implicated in fraudulent activities involving stolen checks. The incident took place in a quiet, affluent neighborhood, raising suspicions about the motive and the perpetrator.

2. Key Players

• James Kolstead: The victim whose murder is under investigation.
• Ryan Kolstead: James's brother, whose account of the events presents conflicting narratives.
• The Chiropractor: A central figure suspected of being involved in both fraudulent activities and James's murder.
• Di Kolstead: James's mother, whose unwavering support plays a pivotal role in the investigation.
• Sarah G.: A woman connected romantically to both James and Michael, adding another layer of intrigue.

3. Investigation Developments

The episode unveils how Di Kolstead became the linchpin in connecting the three cases. Despite the public declaration that James's case was unrelated to Michael and Bailey's, Di remained steadfast in her pursuit for answers, even as she battled ovarian cancer.

• Quote:
  Ryan Kolstead at [01:19]: "You would think that it would be just as plain and simple is the chiropractor said that he was going to call somebody to come and they were going to come strapped and that's exactly what happened. But everything else didn't point to that."

Olivia revisits the investigation after Di's passing, uncovering new testimonies and facing the grim reality of key figures in the case also meeting untimely deaths.

4. Key Interviews and Insights

Olivia engages in several revealing conversations that shed light on the possible motives and alibis surrounding James's murder.

• James Kolstead's Recorded Calls:
  • At [06:35]: "All you know me as is what you read in black and white."
  • At [09:21]: "I never dreamt in my whole life that I would have just this much money in my pocket so he could."

These recordings provide a personal glimpse into James's life, his relationships, and his interactions with the chiropractor, who allegedly used James to facilitate fraudulent activities.

• The Chiropractor's Account:
  • At [02:15]: "They knew who shot him. All of us did. Ryan had to have known. James was found in his car literally within 100 yards from that dude's house. There's no crime over there."
  • At [12:00]: "I did not work with James. He had other people doing this type of stuff, and I didn't want to fuck with any of them, dude."

The chiropractor vehemently denies deeper involvement, claiming minimal interaction with James despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

5. Conflicting Narratives

A significant portion of the episode highlights the discrepancies between Ryan Kolstead's and the chiropractor's stories regarding the events leading up to James's murder.

• Ryan's Claim:

  • At [18:50]: "He was coming for Ryan. So, Ryan, if you get the fuck out of here, then, you know, James won't come here."

• Chiropractor's Claim:

  • At [19:01]: "They kept me there by myself in my underwear because that's when they took me out of my house... I didn't know anybody fucking died, dude."

These conflicting accounts raise questions about credibility and the true sequence of events that night.

6. The Role of Sarah G.

Sarah G.'s presence is a recurring thread that ties various characters together, adding complexity to the motives behind James's murder.

• James's Relationship with Sarah G.:

  • At [14:05]: "I have a beautiful picture of her and me having fucking fun."

• Chiropractor's Discontent:

  • At [15:16]: "I can't have a person that's like that in my house... Get her out now."

Her interactions with both James and Micah introduce potential motives, although concrete evidence remains elusive.

7. Personal Tragedies and Their Impact

The episode poignantly covers the toll the investigation has taken on the families involved, particularly focusing on Di Kolstead's battle with cancer and eventual passing.

• Olivia reflects on Di’s dedication:
  At [05:30]: "If Ryan really did know what happened, it's very hard for me to believe that he would not have given his mother her literal dying wish and told her."

The deaths of key witnesses like the chiropractor further complicate the pursuit of justice, emphasizing the race against time to uncover the truth.

8. Current Status and Continuing Efforts

Despite the setbacks, Sergeant Chad Garrett remains committed to investigating James's and Bailey's cases. The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to come forward with any information, underscoring the enduring quest for answers.

• Olivia's Final Thoughts: At [30:30]: "If you have any information on either case, please do the right thing. It'll change more lives than you know."

Conclusion

Episode 18 of The Bakersfield Three offers a gripping exploration of James Kolstead's murder, intertwining personal stories, conflicting narratives, and the relentless pursuit of truth by those closest to the victims. Olivia Lavoice masterfully navigates through complex emotions and emerging evidence, painting a vivid picture of a community grappling with loss and the desperate need for closure.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on a provided transcript and reflects the content as presented within. For the most accurate and comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.