Missing California mom’s family digs for homicide ‘cover-up or cleanup’
The family of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, a mother of four from Northern California who disappeared on May 17, 2024, is seeking answers after her disappearance was recently ruled a homicide by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. In an emotional interview with Fox News Digital, her sisters, Kaye Ford and Chloe Saelee, expressed their pain and determination to find the truth about what happened to their sister.
“When we initially first had a feeling that she was missing, I just knew right away in my heart something wasn’t right, and I knew something bad had happened to her,” Saelee said. The family, known for their closeness, realized something was wrong when Nikki stopped participating in their daily group chats. Her last contact with them was on May 18, 2024, and her abandoned vehicle was found on May 25, 2024, in western Tehama County.
On March 25, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office announced that they had identified “persons of interest” in the homicide investigation. Ford and Saelee are urging the public to come forward with any information they may have to help solve the case. They emphasized the importance of finding the truth for their sister and thanked the community for their support.
Nikki’s husband, Tyler McCain, spoke publicly for the first time during a press conference on March 10, 2025. He expressed remorse for past domestic abuse allegations and his lack of involvement in the search for his missing wife. McCain, who was charged in December 2023 with multiple felony counts, has not been accused of any wrongdoing in Nikki’s disappearance.
Authorities are seeking information about a red truck that may have been involved in the disappearance, offering a combined reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to Nikki’s location. The family remains hopeful that those with information will come forward to help bring closure to the case.
Fox News Digital has reached out to McCain’s attorney, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01) for comment on the ongoing investigation. The family continues to seek justice for Nikki and is determined to find the truth about what happened to their beloved sister.
