KGMI News

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The man investigators say raped and murdered 18-year-old Mandy Stavik in 1989 has been formally charged.

Stavik disappeared after she went jogging near her family’s Strand Road Home. Her body was later found in the Nooksack River.

Whatcom County prosecutors charged 50-year-old Timothy Forrest Bass with first degree murder Thursday.

Timothy Bass was identified as a suspect in Stavik’s killing based on DNA evidence.

He had refused to provide investigators with a DNA sample. His employer, Franz Bakery, also refused a request to give investigators DNA evidence.

A co-worker did provide items that gave investigators Bass’ DNA.

In a statement, Franz Bakery says law enforcement did not offer a formal request, such as a search warrant or subpoena, for its employee’s personal information and that’s why the request was turned down.

The company says it always has and will continue to work with law enforcement.