The abduction and murder of Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian in 1986 deeply impacted the Tacoma community, igniting fears for children's safety in public spaces.
Investigators initially believed the cases were connected due to similarities, but advancements in DNA analysis eventually revealed distinct perpetrators for each crime.
The eventual identification and arrest of Robert Washburn and Gary Hartman showcased the significance of technological progress in solving cold cases decades later.
Deep dives
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The Disappearance of Michelle Welch
The case of Michelle Welch, a 12-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared in Tacoma, Washington in 1986, remains hauntingly remembered. After cycling to Puget Park with her younger sisters on a spring break day, Michelle left to fetch sandwiches and never returned. The unsettling discovery of her body later that evening raised numerous questions about her fate, revealing she had been brutally murdered, with signs of sexual assault evident at the crime scene. This tragic event marked a turning point for the community, igniting fear and demands for greater safety measures in public parks.
Jennifer Bastion's Abduction and Murder
The abduction of 13-year-old Jennifer Bastion occurred shortly after the tragic events surrounding Michelle's disappearance, provoking fears of a serial predator targeting young girls in Tacoma. Jennifer had embarked on a solo bicycle ride to a local park but went missing, prompting immediate and extensive search efforts. Her remains were discovered weeks later in a secluded area, revealing a pattern that linked her case with Michelle's murder due to the similarly violent circumstances and age of the victims. Both cases left families devastated and fueled community outrage over the safety of children in public spaces.
The Investigation and Breakthroughs
In the years following the murders of Michelle Welch and Jennifer Bastion, investigative efforts encountered numerous roadblocks, yet technological advancements in DNA analysis prompted renewed hope. Both cases were initially believed to be connected, leading to a comprehensive task force investigation that explored a multitude of suspects over decades. However, a significant development revealed distinct DNA profiles from the two cases, indicating that different perpetrators were responsible for each crime. This crucial finding refocused the investigations, ultimately leading to the identification and arrest of Robert Washburn, who confessed to Jennifer's murder, while Gary Hartman was connected to Michelle's murder through DNA evidence years later.
*** Content warnings: Child sexual assault, child murder ***
In 1986, two pre-teen girls from Tacoma, Washington, were abducted and murdered mere months apart. Both Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian were attacked, sexually assaulted and killed after cycling to a public park. Their crime scenes were eerily similar; both bodies were hidden in wooded areas, and the girls even looked alike. Investigators were quick to rule the slayings were the work of a serial killer… But it would take more than 30 years for the shocking truth to come out.
