California Department of Justice assisted with this investigation

“It can take a team of investigators from many agencies to determine what happened to someone who has been missing for many months, and who is allegedly responsible for the disappearance and perhaps death of that person.  Relying on the expertise of many investigators from numerous departments shows determination on behalf of detectives and perhaps will provide answers for this missing person’s family.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SHASTA COUNTY – On August 20, 2025, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Tyler McCain, a suspect in the murder of his wife, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain.

More than a year ago, on May 22, 2024, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain was reported missing by family members. Initially the missing person report was made with the Redding Police Department; however, it was transferred to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office two days later on May 24,2024, due to Nikki last being seen in the county, which is Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.

Detectives immediately started working to locate Nikki and her Chevy Avalanche, which was also missing. Detectives determined Nikki was last seen at 17277 Olinda Road in Anderson on May 18, 2024, where she resided with her husband, Tyler Scott McCain. A day after taking over the missing person case, detectives served a search warrant at Nikki and Tyler’s residence. Various items of evidentiary value were seized as evidence; however, Nikki was not located.

On May 25, 2024, Nikki’s Chevy Avalanche was located by a citizen off Highway 36 near Beegum Gorge Bridge. This area is located near the Shasta and Tehama County border near Platina. Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the vehicle and located physical evidence, which supported foul play. The area where Nikki’s vehicle was located was searched by Sheriff’s Office staff, which included search and rescue teams; however, Nikki was not located.

Since the start of this investigation, detectives have worked to locate Nikki and to determine the events leading to her disappearance. Detectives have served numerous search warrants, conducted numerous searches, interviewed family members, friends, and acquaintances of Nikki to no avail in locating her.

Based on the evidence gathered, information learned from interviews and the fact that none of Nikki’s family members have heard from Nikki since her disappearance, detectives have determined she is a victim of homicide.

Detectives concluded Nikki’s husband, Tyler Scott McCain, is allegedly responsible for Nikki’s death and disappearance. Detectives recently obtained an arrest warrant for 187(a) PC – Murder.

On August 20, 2025, Tyler McCain was located and arrested. He was booked into the Shasta County jail with no bail.

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude for the investigative assistance in this case. from the:

• Shasta County District Attorney’s Office,
• Redding Police Department,
• Homeland Security,
• Federal Bureau of Investigations,
• California Highway Patrol Investigative Services Unit and Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team,
• California Department of Justice,
• and CAL FIRE Law Enforcement.

A combined reward of up to $30,000 still stands for anyone who provides information that leads to Nikki’s location. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit by email at MCU@shastacounty.gov or at 530-245-6135.