Man Charged With Murdering Wife 15 Months After Her Disappearance Amid Domestic Abuse Allegations

A California man was charged Wednesday with murdering his wife 15 months after she disappeared amid domestic abuse allegations, according to a press release from the Shasta County District Attorney’s (DA) Office.

Tyler McCain was charged with one count of murder and a special circumstance, the same release states. The DA’s office claims McCain murdered his wife, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, to prevent her from testifying about alleged domestic abuse, according to the release.

Saelee McCain’s sister, Chloe Saelee reported her missing on May 22, 2024. Saelee McCain was last seen at a medical center in Redding on May 17, 2024, and was last known to be at her home in Anderson. Her phone last connected to the wi-fi network at her home on May 18 at around 3:00 a.m., according to the same release. Saelee McCain was with her husband at the time, officials stated.

On May 25, 2024, Saelee McCain’s Chevrolet Avalanche was located off the roadway near Highway 36 and Beegum Road. An odor appeared to stem from the truck bed, which contained a white sheet with various staining, including blood. Forensic testing indicated the blood belonged to Saelee McCain. Testing on other items recovered from the vehicle detected her husband Tyler’s DNA, according to the press release.

A confidential informant alleged that McCain purportedly admitted to killing his wife, the DA’s office said.

According to KRCR, the couple had a history of domestic violence stemming from 2020. While Saelee McCain’s body has not yet been located, prosecutors plan to refile domestic violence charges from a 2023 case, the outlet reported. Court filings indicate Saelee McCain “experienced a severe assault and feared for her life,” the Shasta Scout reported. (RELATED: REPORT: Police Make Grisly Discovery In Milwaukee Woman’s Home)

McCain reportedly attempted to cash a check from the U.S. Department of Treasury on May 29, 2024, and allegedly forged his wife’s signature as the check was addressed to the couple and required both of their signatures, the DA’s office stated. More recently, in April 2025, McCain was pulled over during a traffic stop, and authorities noticed he had his wife’s license, which had sustained partial burn damage. McCain’s license had been suspended, according to the same release.

McCain is currently being held without bail and is set for arraignment Friday.

Saelee McCain was a mother of four, according to FOX40.com.