Sacramento Task Force Launches Urgent Effort to Solve MMIP Cases

UPDATE: A new task force has been launched in Sacramento to address the urgent crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), a troubling issue that affects communities across California. With the state ranking fifth in the nation for these cases, this initiative aims to solve longstanding cold cases and bring justice to families still searching for answers.

The task force is spearheaded by Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, who emphasized the historical nature of violence against Indigenous peoples. “We’ve known about MMIP ever since contact,” Tarango stated, highlighting the ongoing plight faced by these communities.

One of the most pressing cases involves Khadijah Britton, a 23-year-old member of the Round Valley Tribes, who was kidnapped in Covelo, California on February 8, 2018. Witnesses reported seeing her forced into a car at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Negie Fallis. Despite ongoing investigations, she remains missing, and authorities have yet to charge Fallis, who is considered a person of interest.

Community leaders and Khadijah’s family, including her grandparents, are desperate for answers. Ronnie Hostler, Khadijah’s grandfather, expressed frustration over the silence in the community, saying, “They all know him, and nothing.” The emotional weight of this case is palpable, as Khadijah’s presence is felt throughout Covelo with memorials and banners adorning local buildings.

The task force is partnering with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office to bridge the gap between tribal communities and law enforcement. District Attorney Thien Ho stated, “When I see the history in this country in terms of the distrust between tribal people and law enforcement, I want to bridge that gap.” The office is providing dedicated resources, including an attorney and an investigator, to support these cold cases.

Additionally, the task force will leverage advanced DNA technology to uncover potential evidence from older cases. “Science always remembers, and it never forgets,” Ho affirmed, underscoring the hope that modern techniques may solve cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

The task force also includes Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, who highlighted the importance of collaboration. “We’re fortunate here in Sacramento. We have good relationships,” Cooper said, contrasting his jurisdiction’s cooperative spirit with the challenges faced in less connected areas.

Despite ongoing efforts, the crisis continues to escalate. Approximately 20 MMIP cases are reported yearly in Northern California, with many more likely going unreported. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that 84% of Native American women and 82% of Native American men will experience violence in their lifetimes. A 2016 study indicated that over 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women have suffered violence, with Native women facing murder rates more than 10 times the national average.

In response to this urgent situation, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several bills aimed at addressing the MMIP crisis, marking a significant step toward systemic change. Community advocates and families are hopeful that this task force will bring renewed attention and resources to these critical issues.

As Khadijah’s grandfather poignantly stated, “I’m getting more desperate now. Time’s not on my side.” The tree adorned with red dresses outside of Covelo stands as a haunting symbol of the ongoing struggle against the violence faced by Indigenous women across the nation.

As the task force begins its work, the community remains vigilant, yearning for justice in a fight that has lasted too long. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as families and advocates continue to demand accountability and action in the face of a silent crisis.