Sacramento Task Force Launches Urgent Bid to Solve MMIP Cases

UPDATE: A new task force in Sacramento has just been launched to tackle the urgent crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in California, which ranks fifth in the nation for these cases. This initiative aims to address cold cases like that of Khadijah Britton, a 23-year-old member of the Round Valley Tribes, who was kidnapped in Covelo on February 8, 2018.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reports that Khadijah was last seen being forced into a car at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Negie Fallis. Her disappearance has left a deep scar in the community, where her grandparents report a chilling silence surrounding her case. “She’s still missing, even though all those resources know what he did,” said Ronnie Hostler, Khadijah’s grandfather.

The new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force, led by Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, is a crucial step toward justice. “We’ve known about MMIP ever since contact,” Tarango stated. The task force aims to bridge the historical gap of distrust between tribal communities and law enforcement, with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office pledging dedicated resources including an attorney, investigator, and victim advocate.

With access to state-of-the-art DNA technology, officials hope to uncover long-hidden truths about these cases. “Science always remembers and it never forgets,” said District Attorney Thien Ho, emphasizing the potential of modern techniques to yield new leads.

The task force is not just about seeking justice for Khadijah but also addressing a broader crisis. At least 20 MMIP cases are reported annually in Northern California, though the actual number is thought to be much higher due to underreporting. Shockingly, 84% of Native American women and 82% of Native American men will experience some form of violence in their lifetime, according to a 2016 study by the National Institute of Justice.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several bills to combat the MMIP crisis, reflecting a growing recognition of the issue. The task force aims to revitalize community trust and ensure that cases, some over 30 years old, do not remain unsolved.

Outside of Covelo, a tree adorned with red dresses serves as a haunting symbol of the ongoing plight of missing Indigenous women. “I want justice. That’s my main goal now,” stated Ronnie Hostler, expressing a desperate plea for resolution as time slips away.

As investigations ramp up and community support grows, the task force will work tirelessly to shed light on these dark cases. Residents and advocates are hopeful that this renewed focus will bring answers to families like Khadijah’s, who continue to wait for closure in a crisis that has persisted for far too long.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the Sacramento Task Force embarks on its mission to bring justice to the missing and murdered Indigenous persons in California.