Plot Synopsis

THE BAKERSFIELD 3: A TALE OF MURDER AND MOTHERHOOD is a three-part documentary that focuses on three mothers united by tragedy, who share their heart-wrenching journey for answers about why their children disappeared or were murdered in the spring of 2018 in Bakersfield, CA. Over the course of just 34 days, a young woman and man went missing, and another young man was murdered. While initially thought to be tragic but unconnected events, a string of coincidences unearthed by the victims' mothers led to the realization that these three cases were entangled with one another. Desperate for answers, they banded together in their unyielding quest for the truth, dubbing their children's death and disappearances as "The Bakersfield 3." Now, this docuseries charts the mothers' journey as they navigate through a labyrinth of clues, dead ends, and unexpected revelations to find out what really happened to their children -- and how exactly they were connected. As they uncover disturbing allegations, their newfound bond is put to the ultimate test. After Di Byrnes' son James was gunned down, Di's determination to find answers led her to Cheryl Holsonbake, whose son Micah had disappeared within days of James's murder. As the two joined forces looking for answers, they discovered another mother in the community, Jane Parrent, who was frantically searching for her missing daughter, Baylee. Each of their children vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions, unimaginable grief, and one mysterious connection to unravel: they all knew each other. As the months went on and the investigation evolved, authorities uncovered Micah's remains, leading to a shocking question in the case: was one of the Bakersfield 3 responsible for the other's murder? All three episodes of THE BAKERSFIELD 3: A TALE OF MURDER AND MOTHERHOOD debuted consecutively on Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 8-11pm ET/PT on Investigation Discovery:

"One Mystery - or Three?" (8pm): When two friends go missing in Bakersfield, California, and another is murdered in the space of one month, their families fear something sinister is brewing. They join forces to find out what happened and where their children are now.

The Boogieman of Bakersfield"" (9pm): Terrifying discoveries in local waterways solidify the moms' fears that the cases are connected. Their kids were all on dark paths that brought them face to face with dangerous local characters, including the self-proclaimed "Boogieman of Bakersfield."

"Fights Like a Mother" (10pm): Police hunt for Micah's killer, and evidence points to someone he knew. A dramatic arrest furthers the investigation, but answers won't come easily. The moms continue their quest for justice, but a shocking press conference threatens to tear them apart.