Sacramento Task Force Launches Urgent Effort to Solve MMIP Cases

BREAKING: The newly formed Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Task Force in Sacramento has just launched an urgent initiative aimed at solving cold cases of indigenous people, amid a crisis that has left many families searching for answers. With California holding the grim distinction of having the fifth-highest number of MMIP cases in the United States, this task force is poised to make a significant impact.

On February 8, 2018, 23-year-old Khadijah Britton vanished from Covelo, California, after being kidnapped at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Negie Fallis. Despite extensive searches, her body has never been found, and Fallis remains a person of interest, yet has not been charged. “It’s a silent crisis,” lamented Khadijah’s grandfather, Ronnie Hostler, emphasizing the community’s pain and frustration over the lack of justice.

Jesus Tarango, Chairman of the Wilton Rancheria, is spearheading this task force, asserting that the MMIP issue has persisted since the first contact with European settlers. “This didn’t start last year; it has been going on for a long time,” Tarango stated, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the violence facing indigenous communities.

The task force, which includes collaboration from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, aims to bridge the gap between tribal communities and law enforcement. District Attorney Thien Ho expressed his commitment, noting, “We have dedicated an attorney, an investigator, and a victim advocate,” while also offering access to state-of-the-art DNA technology to breathe new life into cold cases.

Despite the passage of time, the urgency of the task force’s mission is palpable. Every year, at least 20 MMIP cases are reported in Northern California, although many believe the actual number is significantly higher due to reporting limitations. Alarmingly, a staggering 84% of Native American women and 82% of Native American men experience violence in their lifetime, with murder rates for Native women exceeding national averages by more than ten times.

Khadijah’s disappearance has become a rallying point in Covelo, where her image adorns buildings and banners, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against violence faced by indigenous peoples. Outside of Covelo stands a tree draped in red dresses, a poignant symbol representing the countless indigenous women who remain unaccounted for.

As the task force embarks on this vital mission, the call for justice grows louder. “I’m getting more desperate now,” Ronnie Hostler said, his voice filled with emotion. “Time’s not on my side.” The community, alongside the task force, is determined to uncover the truth and bring closure to families affected by these tragic circumstances.

The initiative comes as Governor Gavin Newsom has signed multiple bills into law, further addressing the MMIP crisis in California. With the task force actively engaging law enforcement and leveraging advanced forensic technologies, there is renewed hope for families yearning for answers.

As this situation develops, updates will continue to emerge from Sacramento, where the fight for justice and resolution is just beginning. Stay tuned for more information on this critical issue as it unfolds.