A missing Northern California mom of four was killed by her abusive husband so that she wouldn’t testify against him at a domestic violence trial, prosecutors say — as they charged him with her murder 15 months after she vanished.
Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain’s body still has never been found.
Tyler McCain was arrested after an informant told investigators Tyler admitted killing his wife in May 2024 — when the 39-year-old was last seen alive, the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
The couple had a long history of domestic violence dating back to 2020 — including a serious domestic assault case against her husband from December 2023, in which she accused him of tying her up and viciously beating her over three hours inside their home in Redding.
“It is our belief that Tyler McCain murdered his wife, Nikki McCain, to prevent her from testifying in the domestic violence case,” Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie A. Bridgett told reporters.
Saelee-McCain was reported missing on May 18, 2024, by family members just days after she texted loved ones about her plans to end her 15-year marriage with her husband because the ongoing abuse made her fear for her life, according to authorities.
Her vehicle was found abandoned on May 24, 2024, near the Shasta and Tehama county line in Northern California — about 45 minutes from the couple’s home. Blood found in the car was confirmed to be Nikki’s.
Her body has not been discovered, but her missing persons case was declared a homicide in March.
McCain was charged with one count of murder with a special circumstance of intent to prevent testimony.
The state is also refiling domestic violence charges for an assault from 2023, which were dropped after Saelee-McCain disappeared.
He had originally pleaded not guilty to felony domestic violence, claiming her injuries were from a fight with someone else.
Additional charges include illegal possession of a firearm and forgery.
This is the first time Shasta County has tried a murder case without a body being present, Bridgett said.
He’s currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
Authorities have offered a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the location of Saelee-McCain’s body.
“Please bring that information forward now that this case is at the point that it is and provide some relief for Nikki’s family and help end their agonizing pain and search and let them lay her to rest,” Sheriff Michael L. Johnson said.
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