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Family of Missing Northern California Mother Demands Justice After Homicide Ruling
The family of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, a 39-year-old mother of four who went missing nearly a year ago, is seeking answers after her disappearance was reclassified as a homicide. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has shifted its investigation, intensifying public appeal for information related to the case.
Saelee-McCain was last seen on May 17, 2024, and her family received a text from her the following day at 12:35 a.m. After that message, she vanished. Her abandoned vehicle, a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, was discovered on May 25 in western Tehama County.
In a heartfelt conversation with Fox News Digital, her sisters, Kaye Ford and Chloe Saelee, expressed their anguish over her loss. Ford articulated a chilling intuition that something was terribly wrong when communication from Saelee-McCain faltered. She explained, “We knew it wasn’t her just disappearing or ignoring us. Something serious had happened.”
Investigation Update: Persons of Interest Identified
On March 25, 2025, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office announced that they had identified “persons of interest” in the ongoing homicide investigation. The family has been vocal about their desire for anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that they hope for clarity and justice.
Ford mentioned, “It’s vital for those who might have knowledge to step up, whether they were directly involved or witnessed something. We are not accusing anyone; we simply want the truth.”
A Community in Mourning
The sisters highlighted the strong support from their community during this challenging time. Chloe Saelee expressed gratitude for the collective efforts to search for Nikki and shed light on her case. “We appreciate the community rallying around us; it means more than we can express,” she stated.
As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are specifically looking for information related to a red truck that may be connected to the timeline surrounding Saelee-McCain’s last known whereabouts. They are urging anyone who might have seen the vehicle or has valuable details to reach out.
Tyler McCain: Voice of Regret
Tyler McCain, Saelee-McCain’s husband, broke his silence nearly ten months after her disappearance during a press conference on March 10, 2025. In a statement filled with regret, he addressed previous allegations of domestic abuse against him and acknowledged his absence from the search efforts for his wife.
McCain, who faced multiple felony charges, including corporal injury to a spouse, was let go from those charges due to Nikki’s disappearance, as she was unable to testify. Although he has not been implicated in her case, his actions and past remain a focal point of scrutiny within the investigation.
A Call for Justice
The sisters, alongside local authorities, are providing a combined reward of up to $30,000 for information that could lead to insights regarding Nikki’s fate. They maintain an unwavering commitment to finding out what happened, driven by love for their sister and a sense of urgency.
Kaye Ford concluded, “We will not rest until we know the truth. Time is of the essence, and we are doing everything we can to apply pressure for answers.”
The Saelee-McCain family continues to implore the public to come forward with any information, reinforcing that every detail can be critical in solving this deeply troubling case.
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