Arrests Made in Youth Overdose Case

Murder 1^st Degree

Case # 23F1897

In response to the death of a 5-year-old female on 3/8/2023, the Ferndale Police Department arrested and charged Melissa Welch, Cody Craig and Michael Doane for Murder in the 1^st Degree.

On April 13, 2023, with the assistance of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, Melissa Welch and Cody Criag were taken into custody in the 3300 block of Northwest Ave (Bellingham) and Michael Doan was taken into custody at his residence in the 2300 block of Douglas Rd.   All three have been booked into the Whatcom County Jail.

Investigators were able to determine that the victim had a very high and fatal amount of Fentanyl in her blood.  During a search of the residence, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine and Methadone along with drug paraphernalia consistent with the consumption of Fentanyl was located in the residence in areas accessible to the victim and an 8-year-old sibling. Evidence indicated that the victim accessed Fentanyl from the residence prior to her death.

Investigators were also able to determine that Melisa Welch and Cody Craig illegally distributed Fentanyl days after the victim’s death. Melissa Welch and Michael Doane are the parents of the victim.  Cody Craig is Melissa Welch’s boyfriend.  All three were present the night of the victim’s death and evidence indicated that all three used Fentanyl at the residence. These circumstances manifested an extreme indifference to the lives of the children present.  The conduct of Melissa Welch, Cody Craig and Michael Doane created a grave risk of death to the children present and thereby caused the death of the victim.

Ferndale Police Department and Child Protective Services coordinated following the incident to put a safety plan in place for the 8-year-old sibling and relocated her with family members.

Have you lost or misplaced a cell phone or your bank card recently? If so, contact Michelle with the Ferndale Police Department at 360-483-5745 to describe and claim your lost property.

Start off the year by shopping local! You will find items for auction at www.Govdeals.com. These are items that have been unclaimed or found property and left at the Police Department.

Make sure to pre-register in order to participate in the auction. Auction starts on Monday, March 13th! You will find bicycles, jewelry, various electronic devices, office equipment, cameras, and more!

Click here to access a flyer with complete item descriptions and pictures.

Have you lost or misplaced a cell phone recently? If so, contact Michelle with the Ferndale Police Department at 360-483-5745 to describe and claim your lost property.

Ferndale Police Seek Information on Bank Robbery Suspect

On Tuesday, 01/24/2023, at about 4:35 pm, Ferndale Police were dispatched to Banner Bank, which is located within Haggen Grocery, for a bank robbery.  Officers responded and with the assistance of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Bellingham Police Department, the area was searched. However, the suspect was not located.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 5’-9” tall with a regular build.  He was wearing a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, a black face covering, blue latex type gloves, faded baggie blue jeans and white shoes.

The suspect demanded money and fled the building on foot after obtaining cash.  The total financial loss is under investigation.  The suspect did not display or imply that he was armed with a weapon.  There is no cause to believe that there is a threat to public safety at this time.

The Ferndale Police Department is asking for public assistance in this case.  If you were near the entrance or checkout area or around the parking lot of Haggen Grocery during this time and saw the suspect entering or exiting the business, or if you have any additional information regarding this case, please contact Detective Grant at 360-483-5739 or egrant@ferndalepd.org.

Have you lost or misplaced an item recently? If one of these items fits the general description of your lost property, contact Michelle with the Ferndale Police Department at 360-483-5745 to describe and claim your lost property. Items turned into the Ferndale Police Department: cell phone, DVD player, ring.

Have you lost or misplaced an item recently? If one of these items fits the general description of your lost property, contact Michelle with the Ferndale Police Department at 360-483-5745 to describe and claim your lost property. Items turned into the Ferndale Police Department: headphones, purse, bicycle, cellphone, money, waist pack.