The Bakersfield 3 murders: Was Baylee Despot a victim or perpetrator?

In 2018, the city of Bakersfield, California, was shaken by the mysterious disappearances and deaths of three young individuals: Micah Holsonbake, James Kulstad, and Baylee Despot, collectively known as the “Bakersfield 3.” To this day, however, questions remain as to whether Despot was purely a victim or something more.

As chronicled in the Investigation Discovery docuseries, The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood, Holsonbake vanished on March 23, 2018. Months later, his dismembered remains were discovered in the Kern River, leading to a gruesome revelation of his fate. 

Kulstad, meanwhile, was found shot to death in his car on April 8. Just weeks later, on April 25, Baylee Despot disappeared without a trace. The trio’s connections—through friendships and shared acquaintances—suggested more than mere coincidence.

Prosecutors charged Despot in absentia

Investigations pointed to Matthew Queen, Baylee’s ex-boyfriend, as a central figure. In 2022, Queen was convicted of second-degree murder in Micah’s death and sentenced to over 80 years in prison. Prosecutors alleged that Queen and Despot tortured and killed Micah over a missing firearm, subsequently dismembering his body and disposing of the parts throughout Kern County. Queen testified that during a confrontation, Despot fatally struck Micah with a dumbbell. However, Despot’s absence from the trial left many questions unanswered.

While Despot was charged in absentia for Micah’s murder, her whereabouts remain unknown. Some speculate she may have been a victim herself, possibly silenced to prevent her from testifying.

On Websleuths, some users have discussed the possibility that Despot is in hiding. For instance, one user mentioned hearing from acquaintances that she is not missing but on the run, raising questions about whether she is evading law enforcement or others.

Another user speculated that Despot could be supporting herself through illegal activities, such as those she was allegedly involved in before her disappearance. 

Additionally, discussions have touched on Despot’s social media presence. Some users noted that her Facebook activity changed around the time of her disappearance, with suggestions that her ex-boyfriend may have had control over her accounts. 

It’s important to note that these are speculative discussions among forum users and not confirmed information. Law enforcement continues to investigate Despot’s disappearance, and she remains officially missing. Her mother, Jane Parrent, continues to receive mail addressed to Baylee, a constant reminder of her daughter’s unresolved.

The Bakersfield 3 Charity

The mothers of the Bakersfield 3—Parrent, Cheryl Holsonbake, and Diane Byrne—have transformed their grief into advocacy. They established the Bakersfield 3 Charity to support families of missing persons and victims of violent crimes, raising funds for investigative resources and offering emotional support. Their relentless pursuit of truth has kept their children’s stories alive and brought national attention to their cases.

The Investigation Discovery docuseries series about the Bakersfield 3 delves into the intricacies of the case, the mothers’ unwavering determination, and the broader issues of crime and justice in their community. Viewers can watch the series on Investigation Discovery or stream it on Max and Hulu with a Max subscription.

As the docuseries brings renewed attention to the case, the central question persists: Was Despot a victim, a perpetrator, or both? Until she is found, the truth remains elusive, and the quest for answers continues.