
Bakersfield Three: Mothers Uncover a Dark Web of Crime
The Bakersfield Three: A True Crime Story of Murder, Mystery, and Motherhood Bakersfield, California was rocked in the spring of 2018 by the disappearance and deaths of three young adults: James Kulstad, Micah Holsonbake, and Baylee Despot. Initially, the cases seemed unrelated, but the mothers of these victims—Di Byrne, Cheryl Holsonbake, and Jane Parrent—noticed unsettling similarities, including shared names and locations. Their combined efforts brought the "Bakersfield Three" case to the forefront, prompting law enforcement to investigate. "We refused to let our children's deaths be forgotten," said Cheryl Holsonbake, Micah's mother, in an interview. The mothers' persistence uncovered a complex web of criminal activity and violence. The docuseries, airing on ID and Max, follows the twists and turns of the investigation, from a chance discovery of remains to a stunning revelation. The story is a testament to the strength and determination of these mothers who transformed their grief into a powerful force for justice. Their efforts led to the creation of the Bakersfield 3 charity, helping other families affected by violent crime.