Mothers Unite in Heartbreaking Search for Truth Behind Missing Children in Bakersfield

Amidst the sweltering summer heat, Cheryl Holsonbake embarked on a journey two hours from her home to the desolate fields of California’s Kern County. Equipped with only her bare hands, she searched every patch of land that resembled a grave.

Joining her in this painful quest were two other mothers, each engulfed in their own tragedies. The trio sought answers for their missing and murdered children, bound together by shared grief and determination.

“We took shovels and searched for my son there,” Holsonbake recalled in an interview. “I thought that if I could just find him myself, I could bring him back to his family. That became our weekend routine.”

As Holsonbake navigated her agony, she revealed that strangers reached out with information they were hesitant to share with law enforcement. “People have sent us clues through social media that they felt were important. We once opened our phones to images of human remains, asking ourselves: ‘Does this belong to your son?”” she shared. “Who lives that way? But we are in this together.”

Holsonbake’s story resonates with the larger narrative of the “Bakersfield 3,” a term used to describe three interconnected cases of missing and murdered individuals. This haunting saga is explored in the new Investigation Discovery true crime docuseries titled “The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood,” which premieres Sunday.

“My son loved watching shows like ‘America’s Most Wanted,'” Holsonbake reflected. “He was fascinated by stories about the missing. As long as people listen, we can keep pushing for answers, bringing new information to the detectives.”

The Disappearance of Young Lives

The tragedy took root in March 2018, when Holsonbake’s 34-year-old son, Micah Holsonbake, vanished without a trace. His disappearance coincided with that of Jane Parrent’s 20-year-old daughter, Baylee Despot, who was acquainted with Micah. Just weeks later, Diane “Di” Byrne’s son, 38-year-old James Kulstad, was murdered while sitting in his car.

Holsonbake credits Byrne—who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2024—with the pivotal realization that their children’s cases might be linked. “She reached out to me, saying, ‘I heard your son is missing. My son was murdered. They knew each other.’ I was stunned,” Holsonbake recalled.

A few weeks later, Baylee went missing, and Holsonbake learned that Micah and Baylee were connected. Her husband spotted missing posters of Baylee and contacted her mother. “He told Jane, ‘I think our son and daughter knew each other.’ That’s how the bond formed,” she said.

Heartfelt Memories and Struggles

Parrent still remembers the last embrace she shared with Baylee. “I hugged her quickly in front of Matthew Queen’s house, and I wished it had been tighter. You never realize the last time you see someone will be the last,” she said, her voice tinged with sorrow. “I remember her voice; it haunts me. I just wish things had turned out differently.”

All three young lives faced personal battles leading up to their tragic ends. James, once an enthusiastic surfer, suffered a devastating injury in a car accident that led to an opioid addiction. Micah, who served in the Navy after 9/11, became ensnared in addiction post-surgery, while Baylee struggled with bipolar disorder and endured a tumultuous previous relationship involving domestic violence.

Holsonbake carries guilt over the last exchange she had with Micah. “He called asking for money, but I couldn’t help him. He got angry, and we ended up fighting. I hung up the phone, never knowing it would be the last time we spoke. I replay that moment constantly—it torments me,” she shared, fighting back tears.

A Frustrating Quest for Information

The mothers grew increasingly frustrated by the limited updates from law enforcement. Investigators often explained that withholding details was necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation. However, the lack of transparency only fueled the mothers’ determination to find answers.

Instead of waiting for leads, they began their own search efforts. Every tip that emerged on social media or through phone calls prompted them to investigate. Parrent committed to putting up missing posters daily, even in the face of repeated removals.

“I’ve never been particularly religious, but through this ordeal, I’ve found solace in faith. It’s an agonizing journey, perpetually triggering painful memories. Many times, I’ve urged law enforcement to follow our tips. But when they can’t, we decide to take matters into our own hands,” Parrent expressed.

In 2018, a woman’s leg was discovered in a lake in Kern County. Parrent was convinced it belonged to Baylee, but it turned out to be another victim. A severed arm was later found in a bag weighted down with stones, intensifying the agony of uncertainty.

Holsonbake later read about ANDE, a company that promises rapid DNA testing within hours. While waiting for forensic results from the State Department of Justice would have taken over a year, ANDE confirmed the identity of the severed arm in a fraction of the time—it belonged to Micah.

The Pursuit of Justice

The journey towards justice began to take shape when Matthew Queen and Baylee faced charges related to Micah’s kidnapping and murder. Prosecutors alleged that Micah was held against his will and dismembered, his remains scattered across Kern County. It was a horrifying revelation that added depth to their heartache.

Prosecutors have claimed that Micah’s remains have never been found completely, with fragments discovered sporadically over the years. Meanwhile, James’ murder remains unsolved, although authorities do not currently link it directly to Micah’s disappearance.

In 2022, Queen received a second-degree murder conviction tied to Micah’s death, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Yet, the families are still left with unanswered questions and ongoing anguish.

Enduring Bonds Amid Tragedy

The powerful alliance among the mothers of the Bakersfield 3 has endured, showing remarkable resilience in the face of unimaginable sorrow. “This experience has transformed me. I’ve discovered strength I didn’t know I possessed. I refuse to shy away from speaking out—pointing out what’s wrong has become a priority for me,” Parrent emphasized.

Today, Holsonbake and Parrent remain steadfast in their efforts to encourage individuals with information regarding their children’s cases to come forward. “We need people to pause and consider if their information could help us find answers. Wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you? We are always here to listen and support you in this ongoing search for truth,” Holsonbake urged.

In their relentless pursuit, these mothers not only seek justice but also hope to bring closure to the haunting memories of their lost children. Their story serves as a reminder of the strength found in community and the imperative need for answers in the face of unspeakable loss.