The Bakersfield Three
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"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."
Pros & cons
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
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.
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.
Is The Bakersfield Three worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if multi-victim connected cases interest you". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. 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.
Where can I listen to The Bakersfield Three?
The Bakersfield Three is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to The Bakersfield Three?
If you enjoy The Bakersfield Three, you might also like: Casefile True Crime, Counter Clock, The Fall Line, In the Dark. 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
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Country
- United States
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