1989 cold case solved? Detectives arrest man in murder, rape of Washington teen

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Detectives arrested a man on Tuesday in a cold case that has haunted Whatcom County for almost 30 years.

After investigating thousands of leads, Sheriff Bill Elfo said deputies arrested Timothy Forrest Bass, 50, of Everson, on suspicion of the First Degree Murder, First Degree Kidnapping and First Degree Rape.

Amanda "Mandy" Stavik disappeared on Nov. 24, 1989 after leaving her home on Strand Rd. to go for a jog with the family dog. Several hours later, the dog returned home, but Mandy did not.

After an exhaustive search, Stavik's body was found in the South Fork of the Nooksack River. She was 18 years old at the time.

Elfo said deputies looked into "hundreds of suspects" over the years, but they only led to dead ends - until a recent DNA match.

Deputies sent Bass DNA sample to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, where it matched DNA recovered from Stavik's body in 1989. They say Bass lived near Stavik's home on Strand Rd. at the time of her murder.

Elfo said he could not release too many details because the case remains an active investigation.

Stavik would be 46 years old today.

Elfo said the investigation into the kidnapping, rape and murder of Stavik has remained a priority for nearly 30 years.

More information was expected to be released during a 1:30 p.m. news conference on Wednesday.

Anyone with information regarding Timothy Bass that may be helpful to our investigation is urged to contact detectives at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office at (360)778-6600. The Sheriff’s Office also maintains a tip line for existing cases at (360)778-6663. This line is a recorded message and is available 24x7 where messages can be left.