In this episode, host Kaydee continues the story of Brian Bassett, who at age 16 committed the tragic murders of his parents, Michael and Wendy Bassett, and his 5-year-old brother Austin in McCleary, Washington in 1995.
Part 2 focuses on the legal aftermath, including key Supreme Court rulings like Miller v. Alabama that banned mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles. We follow Brian’s multiple resentencing hearings, the impact of Washington State’s Miller-Fix Law, and the emotional courtroom moments involving family testimony and arguments from the defense and prosecution.
The episode also covers Brian’s release in January 2024 under strict parole supervision, public and family reactions, and the broader issues of juvenile justice, rehabilitation, and community healing.
Note: Some storytelling is dramatized for effect, but all factual details are drawn from verified court records and public documents.
Resources
- Miller v. Alabama (2012) Supreme Court Decision
- Washington State Miller-Fix Law (RCW 9.94A.729):
- Local news: Grays Harbor County Superior Court coverage: https://www.chronline.com
- NIJ: Juvenile Sentencing & Rehabilitation Research: https://www.nij.gov/topics/courts/pages/juvenile-sentencing.aspx
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