Sacramento Task Force Launches Urgent Bid to Solve MMIP Cases

UPDATE: A new task force has just been launched in Sacramento to tackle the urgent crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in California. With the state ranking fifth in the nation for these tragic cases, community leaders are pushing for immediate action to solve cold cases that have haunted families for years.

The task force, spearheaded by Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and tribal communities. “We’ve known about MMIP ever since contact,” Tarango stated. “This has been happening to our people for a long time.” The need for action is palpable, especially in light of the heartbreaking case of Khadijah Britton, a 23-year-old member of the Round Valley Tribes who was kidnapped on February 8, 2018, in Covelo, Mendocino County.

Khadijah was last seen being forced into a car at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Negie Fallis. Despite ongoing investigations, her whereabouts remain unknown. “The community’s silence speaks volumes,” said her grandfather, Ronnie Hostler. “They all know him, and nothing.” The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has identified Fallis as a person of interest but has yet to charge him.

The new task force will collaborate with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, which is providing a dedicated attorney, investigator, and victim advocate to the effort. District Attorney Thien Ho emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust between law enforcement and tribal communities, stating, “We have dedicated resources to bridge that gap.”

In addition, the task force will utilize advanced DNA technology from the crime lab, hoping that “science always remembers and it never forgets,” according to Ho. Sheriff Jim Cooper also plans to contribute decades of experience from homicide detectives to help solve cases that have remained unsolved for years, some dating back up to 30 years.

The urgency of this mission is underscored by the alarming statistics surrounding MMIP cases. At least 20 MMIP cases are recorded yearly in Northern California, but experts believe the actual number is much higher. Shockingly, more than 84% of Native American women and 82% of Native American men will encounter violence in their lifetimes. A study from the National Institute of Justice reveals that over four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence, including a staggering 56.1% who have faced sexual violence.

Despite years of searching, Khadijah’s family continues to advocate for justice. “I’m getting more desperate now,” Ronnie Hostler expressed. “Time’s not on my side.” Outside of Covelo, a tree adorned with red dresses serves as a haunting reminder of the ongoing crisis and the numerous cases still awaiting resolution.

Governor Gavin Newsom has previously signed several bills aimed at addressing the MMIP crisis, but the launch of this task force marks a significant step forward in the fight for justice. As this initiative takes shape, the community hopes that it will finally bring closure to families like Khadijah’s and shed light on a dark chapter that has persisted for far too long.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and to learn more about the efforts underway to resolve these critical cases.