Case 301: Michella Welch & Jennifer Bastian
Casefile True Crime
Deep Dive
Why did the police initially believe Michelle Welch and Jennifer Bastian were killed by the same person?
Both girls were abducted and murdered in Tacoma parks, mere months apart. Their crime scenes were eerily similar, and they looked alike.
Why did investigators eventually conclude that Michelle Welch and Jennifer Bastian were killed by different individuals?
DNA evidence from Jennifer's swimsuit did not match the DNA from Michelle's crime scene, indicating separate killers.
How did the community respond to the murders of Michelle Welch and Jennifer Bastian?
The community called for improved safety measures in parks, such as lighting and fences, and launched a watch program to enhance public safety.
What role did DNA profiling play in solving the Jennifer Bastian case?
DNA profiling from Jennifer's swimsuit identified Robert Washburn as the killer, a detail missed by original investigators.
How did the cases of Michelle Welch and Jennifer Bastian impact the community of Tacoma?
The murders shattered the community's sense of safety, leading to increased fear and a lasting impact on the lives of many, including future detective Lindsay Wade.
What new investigative techniques were used in the reinvestigation of the Michelle Welch case?
Techniques included phenotyping to identify physical characteristics based on DNA and Y chromosome DNA profiling to narrow down potential suspects.
How did the arrest of Robert Washburn impact the ongoing investigation into Michelle Welch's murder?
Washburn's arrest confirmed the need to look for a second killer, as his DNA did not match the profile from Michelle's case.
What was the significance of the law inspired by Jennifer and Michelle's cases?
The law expanded DNA databases by requiring those convicted of indecent exposure to provide a DNA sample, aiding future investigations.
- Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian were both pre-teen girls from Tacoma, Washington.
- Both were abducted and murdered after visiting public parks.
- Their cases were initially believed to be connected, leading to speculation about a serial killer.