Sacramento Task Force Launches Urgent Effort to Solve MMIP Cases

UPDATE: A new task force in Sacramento has just launched an urgent initiative aimed at solving cold cases of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in California, which ranks fifth in the nation for these tragic cases. The initiative, led by Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, seeks to address a crisis that has persisted for generations.

The task force’s first focus is the unresolved case of Khadijah Britton, a 23-year-old who was kidnapped on February 8, 2018, in Covelo, California. Witnesses reported that she was forcibly taken by her ex-boyfriend, Negie Fallis, at gunpoint. Despite being a person of interest, Fallis has not been charged, and Khadijah remains missing, leaving her family desperate for answers.

“We want justice. That’s my main goal now,” said Khadijah’s grandfather, Ronnie Hostler, highlighting the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on her family. The community of Covelo, where Khadijah’s presence is felt through murals and banners, is grappling with the harsh reality of violence and silence surrounding these cases.

The newly formed task force is a collaborative effort involving the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, which is providing resources including a dedicated attorney and access to advanced DNA technology. “Science always remembers and it never forgets,” stated Thien Ho, the Sacramento County District Attorney, emphasizing the potential for breakthroughs in old cases.

The task force aims to bridge the longstanding distrust between Indigenous communities and law enforcement. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper noted the importance of collaboration: “Here, we can come together for a common cause and try to solve some of these old cases. Some are 10, 20, even 30 years old.”

Statistics reveal a grim reality: at least 20 MMIP cases are reported annually in Northern California, with many more likely unreported. Research indicates that over 84% of Native American women will experience violence in their lifetime, and murder rates for Native women are more than 10 times the national average.

The emotional impact of these cases is profound. A tree adorned with red dresses in Covelo serves as a haunting reminder of the many Indigenous women still missing. “I’m getting more desperate now,” said Ronnie Hostler, capturing the urgency felt by families across California.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several bills aimed at addressing the MMIP crisis, but the community demands action and accountability. As the task force convenes, the hope is that new investigative strategies and technologies will finally bring closure to families seeking justice.

This breaking initiative comes during a critical time for Indigenous communities, as advocates push for more visibility and resources to tackle the epidemic of violence against Native peoples.

Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent issue as the Sacramento Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force begins its pivotal work.