"I mean, I love a good Samaritan, but this is feeling wrong." — Ashley Flowers
"It's hard for me to believe that the finding the print was new, it's connecting it to him that I think was new, but haven't been able to verify." — Ashley Flowers
"I will, we will try to keep that light shining for you. I love you forever baby girl, rest well. I have some things to do here yet, but I will see you in the not terribly distant future, Mom." — Sharon (Michaela's Mother)
This episode of Crime Junkie revisits the tragic 1988 abduction of nine-year-old Michaela Garrett from Hayward, California. The narrative chronicles the initial investigation, which was hampered by conflicting suspect descriptions and vehicle information. Despite extensive efforts, including a broad public appeal and FBI involvement, leads dried up, and the case grew cold within a year. The investigation spanned decades, encountering numerous false leads, including the involvement of Timothy Bingen, who exhibited disturbing behavior and made seemingly predictive statements related to child disappearances. These connections, while raising suspicion, did not yield concrete evidence to link him to Michaela's case.
The narrative then explores other potential leads and intersecting cases, including the disappearance of Amanda Campbell and the investigation into the "Speed Freak Killers," Wesley Shermantine and Loren Herzog. While these avenues provided temporary hope, they ultimately did not directly solve Michaela's disappearance. The episode highlights the frustration of families and investigators as years passed without definitive answers. The podcast also touches upon the psychological impact of these cases and the dedication of those seeking justice.
The breakthrough in Michaela Garrett's case occurred in late 2020, over 30 years after her abduction. Advancements in fingerprint technology allowed investigators to re-examine evidence found on Michaela's stolen scooter. This led to a match with David Mish, who had been incarcerated since 1989 for another murder. Mish was subsequently charged with the kidnapping and murder of Michaela Garrett, offering a long-awaited, albeit painful, resolution for her family. The episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing search for Michaela's remains and the enduring pain of loss, sharing a poignant message from her mother.