Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"It is clear to police that the killer spent hours, they say, maybe even days before the murder, preparing this spot." — Britt
"The persistent pursuit of justice, even across decades and with evolving forensic capabilities, can lead to the resolution of complex cold cases and drive significant policy changes." — AI Summary
"The way the girls' bodies were positioned are similar, also the way they were found with their clothes disheveled." — Britt
This episode reconstructs the decades-long investigation into the murders of Michelle Welch and Jennifer Bastion, two young girls whose cases were initially treated separately before striking similarities emerged. Jennifer Bastion disappeared in August 1986 after riding her bike in a local park. Despite extensive searches, her body was found days later, suggesting a meticulously prepared crime scene. Shortly before Jennifer's disappearance, Michelle Welch was murdered in a different park in the same area, and the discovery of her body also presented significant forensic challenges.
As the investigations progressed, the commonalities between the cases, including similar victimology and circumstances, led law enforcement to suspect a serial offender. However, early forensic tools and the degradation of evidence hampered progress. The narrative highlights the evolution of forensic science, particularly the advent of CODIS and familial DNA searching, which became pivotal in identifying suspects. This led to the eventual arrests and convictions of Robert Washburn for Jennifer's murder and Gary Hartman for Michelle's murder, both individuals with no prior significant criminal records who were identified through DNA evidence.
The episode emphasizes the profound impact of these cases on victims' families and the broader justice system. Detective Wade's dedication, alongside Jennifer's mother, Patty Bastion, led to legislative changes in Washington State, enacting "Jennifer and Michellea's Law," which expanded DNA collection requirements for offenders. This initiative aimed to close loopholes that allowed cold cases to remain unsolved and prevent future crimes, underscoring the enduring legacy of the victims.