A mother of four, Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, disappeared in May 2024. Authorities have now changed the case from a missing person investigation to a homicide. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the update on March 14, 2025. Investigators have been working for months to find out what happened to her and why she vanished in what is now being referred to as the California Mom Disappearance.
Family Reported Her Missing After No Contact for Days
Saelee-McCain was last heard from on May 18, 2024. Her family reported her missing from her home in Anderson, California, on May 22. After her disappearance, detectives launched an investigation. They searched her home and questioned family, friends, and anyone who might have known what happened. They also followed up on tips from the public. Despite their efforts, there was no sign of her.
Evidence and Interviews Led to a Homicide Conclusion
On March 14, 2025, law enforcement officials, including FBI and Homeland Security agents, searched her home again. Investigators reviewed new evidence and conducted additional interviews. Based on this information, they determined that Saelee-McCain was likely the victim of a homicide. Authorities have not yet revealed what specific evidence led them to this conclusion. However, they remain committed to finding answers in the case of the California Mom Disappearance.
Police Have Identified Persons of Interest in the Case
Detectives have identified persons of interest in Saelee-McCain’s case. However, their names have not been released. Investigators say they are keeping these details private due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Authorities continue to follow leads and are asking for the public’s help in gathering more information about the California Mom Disappearance.
Police Seeking Witness Who Saw a Red Truck in Key Area
Authorities are searching for a witness who may have seen something important. They are asking for help identifying the driver of a red truck. This truck may have picked up a man along Highway 36 in Tehama County. The incident could have happened between May 18 and May 25, 2024, near R Wild Horse Ranch or the Beegum Gorge Bridge. Investigators believe this information could be crucial to solving the case of the California Mom Disappearance.
Husband’s Domestic Abuse Case Was Dropped After Her Disappearance
At the time of Saelee-McCain’s disappearance, her husband, Tyler McCain, was facing felony domestic abuse charges. However, the case was dismissed in July 2024 because she was missing and could not testify. Authorities have not said whether he is one of the persons of interest in the homicide investigation of the California Mom Disappearance.
Husband Spoke Publicly for the First Time in Nearly a Year
On March 11, 2025, McCain spoke publicly about his wife’s disappearance for the first time. He appeared at a press conference and expressed regret for not speaking out sooner.
“We miss you,” he said. “I don’t really know what to say.” He also apologized to his children and to both his wife’s family and his own. He admitted that he had not handled the situation well.
$30,000 Reward Offered for Tips Leading to Answers
Authorities are offering a $30,000 reward for any information that helps locate Nikki Saelee-McCain. They urge anyone with information to come forward. People can contact the Major Crimes Unit by contacting shastacounty.gov or calling 530-245-6135. Even small details could make a big difference in solving the California Mom Disappearance.
