Sacramento Task Force Launches Urgent Hunt for Missing Persons

UPDATE: A new task force has been launched in Sacramento to tackle the alarming crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in California, which ranks fifth in the nation for such cases. This urgent initiative comes as the community grapples with the unsolved disappearance of Khadijah Britton, a 23-year-old member of the Round Valley Tribes, who was kidnapped on February 8, 2018, in Covelo, California.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reports that Khadijah was last seen being forced into a vehicle at gunpoint by her ex-boyfriend, Negie Fallis. Despite being a person of interest, Fallis has not been charged, and Khadijah remains missing, prompting her family to express their desperation. “Time’s not on my side,” said her grandfather, Ronnie Hostler, reflecting the painful reality faced by families of the missing.

In response to this ongoing crisis, Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango is spearheading the new MMIP Task Force, which aims to leverage the resources of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. The DA, Thien Ho, emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust between tribal communities and law enforcement, announcing the provision of an attorney, investigator, and victim advocate to the task force. “Science always remembers,” Ho stated, as they plan to utilize advanced DNA technology to help solve cold cases.

The task force will also focus on cases that have lingered for decades—some over 30 years old. Sheriff Jim Cooper noted, “Here, we can come together for a common cause and try to solve some of these old cases.” The initiative aims to address the staggering statistic that MMIP cases are at least seven times less likely to be solved than those of any other demographic group.

California suffers from a silent epidemic; at least 20 MMIP cases are recorded each year in Northern California alone, but the actual figure could be much higher due to underreporting. Disturbingly, a 2016 study indicated that 84% of Native American women and 82% of Native American men will experience violence in their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support.

Khadijah’s face is a haunting reminder of the crisis, with her image displayed prominently throughout Covelo. Outside the town, a tree adorned with red dresses symbolizes the unresolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women. “I want justice. That’s my main goal now,” said Ronnie Hostler, capturing the emotional weight of the ongoing search.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several bills aimed at addressing the MMIP crisis, reflecting a growing recognition of the issue at the state level. As the task force begins its work, families and advocates hope that renewed efforts will bring closure to those still searching for their loved ones.

This story is unfolding as communities rally for justice, and the impact is felt deeply across California. Stay tuned for developments as the task force fights to bring resolution to these tragic cases.

For more insights and updates on California’s MMIP crisis, follow our coverage closely.