The Bakersfield Three
True crime podcast review — 2026
"The Bakersfield Three investigates the deaths and disappearances of three people in Bakersfield, California — and asks the question that links them all. Casefile Presents brings their signature methodical rigour to a case that's as much about a city's dark currents as three individual tragedies."
About this podcast
A Casefile Presents investigation into the linked disappearances and deaths of three people in Bakersfield, California — Baylee Despot, Micah Holsonbake, and James Kulstad — examining what connected their fates and what the investigation into their cases revealed about crime and its reach in Kern County. This feed now carries a separate Casefile Presents story, Ada; The Bakersfield Three was the first series released on it.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1 — essential to establish all three cases and their context
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Bakersfield Three
What is The Bakersfield Three about?
A Casefile Presents investigation into the linked disappearances and deaths of three people in Bakersfield, California — Baylee Despot, Micah Holsonbake, and James Kulstad — examining what connected their fates and what the investigation into their cases revealed about crime and its reach in Kern County. This feed now carries a separate Casefile Presents story, Ada; The Bakersfield Three was the first series released on it.
Is The Bakersfield Three worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if multi-victim connected cases interest you". The community has rated it 8.0/10 overall. Three people dead or missing in Bakersfield, California — Casefile Presents investigates the links between the cases of Baylee Despot, Micah Holsonbake, and James Kulstad.
Who is The Bakersfield Three for?
The Bakersfield Three is recommended for true crime enthusiasts who enjoy Murder and Missing person and Cold case.
What is the best episode of The Bakersfield Three to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1 — essential to establish all three cases and their context. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
What podcasts are similar to The Bakersfield Three?
If you enjoy The Bakersfield Three, you might also like: Ada (Casefile Presents), Casefile True Crime, CounterClock, The Fall Line. See our full "Podcasts Like The Bakersfield Three" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialised
- Host style
- Solo host
- Style
- Methodical; evidence-based; sombre; serious
- Episode length
- 30-45 min
- Episodes
- 6-8 episodes
- Country
- United States
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