DeepSummary
The episode discusses the unsolved murders of two young girls, Jennifer Bastian and Michella Welch, in Tacoma, Washington in 1986. It details how the cases initially appeared to be connected but were eventually solved separately over 30 years later using advanced DNA and genealogical techniques, leading to the arrests of two different killers.
Detective Lindsay Wade, who was inspired by the cases as a child, played a crucial role in solving them as an adult working in Tacoma's cold case unit. Wade used innovative forensic genealogy methods to identify Robert Washburn as Jennifer's killer and Gary Hartman as Michella's killer.
The episode highlights the tireless efforts of detectives, advancements in DNA technology, and the victims' families' perseverance in finally bringing the killers to justice decades after the horrific crimes.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Advances in forensic science, especially DNA and genealogical analysis, can solve decades-old cold cases.
- Dedicated detectives and victims' families persevering for justice can eventually lead to solving heinous crimes.
- Killers sometimes insert themselves into investigations, aiding in their eventual identification.
- Even the most careful criminals can leave behind DNA evidence leading to their downfall.
- The trauma of violent crimes echoes through communities, impacting entire generations.
- Combining tenacious police work with cutting-edge science is a powerful tool against unsolved cases.
- Cases once thought to be related can sometimes have unexpected separate perpetrators.
- Victim advocacy and legal reforms aid investigations and provide solace to families.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Do you know how many birthdays we missed? Do you know how many christmases we missed?“ by Patti Bastian
- “Before the killings, I was a carefree kid, oblivious to the dangers lurking behind my safe, middle class suburban neighborhood.“ by Lindsay Wade
- “Forgiveness is the only way to keep me from being infected by the continual pain and keep furthering it on. I do not wish any harm to come to him because I would be the same spirit as him.“ by Nicole Welch
- “If you're a criminal who left DNA at a crime scene, you might as well turn yourself in now. We will eventually catch you.“ by Mark Lindquist
- “After absorbing every detail of the book, I knew I wanted to be a detective just like Bob Keppel. I wanted to catch men like Ted Bundy.“ by Lindsay Wade
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Episode Information
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right Media – the original true crime comedy network
6/27/24