Northern California Man Charged With Murder of Wife to Stop Her From Testifying

Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, 39, was last seen on May 18 2024

A Northern California man has been charged with the murder of his wife, allegedly to prevent her from testifying against him in a domestic violence case. Prosecutors say Tyler McCain killed his wife, 39-year-old Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, to silence her before she could take the stand in an ongoing case involving the couple.

McCain was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of murder with a special circumstance of intent to prevent testimony, according to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. The original domestic violence charges from 2023 will also be refiled.

Nikki McCain was last seen at her home in Anderson, about 150 miles north of Sacramento, on May 18, 2024. A week later, on May 25, her missing Chevy Avalanche was discovered by a citizen off Highway 26. Investigators reported finding evidence of decomposition and blood inside the vehicle, indicating foul play.

“Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the vehicle and found physical evidence which indicated foul play,” Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson said. He added that based on interviews, forensic evidence, and the fact that Nikki’s family had not heard from her since her disappearance, investigators determined she was a victim of homicide.

Tyler McCain is facing murder charges for the death of his wife, Nikki McCain

Despite extensive searches, Nikki’s body has never been found, leading police to classify the case as a “no-body homicide.” Detectives allege that McCain is responsible, citing what they called “overwhelming evidence.” Sheriff Johnson noted that at least one detective has been assigned to the case daily since her disappearance.

Authorities revealed that the couple had a documented history of domestic violence dating back to 2020. Prosecutors also disclosed that a confidential informant provided critical evidence, including details of a confession by the suspect.

The victim’s sister, Kaye Ford, expressed gratitude to law enforcement and the community for their persistence. “While this arrest is an important step, our fight is not over. We are still fighting for justice to be fully served, for my sister’s memory to be honored, and for the healing of our family and community. Nothing can erase the pain of losing her, but knowing that the person responsible is being held accountable allows us to move forward with hope,” Ford said.

Tyler McCain was booked into the Shasta County Jail without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.