The concluding day of Tyler McCain’s preliminary hearing concluded with a California judge deciding he will face trial for the murder of his wife, Nikki McCain.

According to the Record Searchlight, Judge Thomas L. Bender announced on Tuesday that the prosecution provided sufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing at Shasta County Superior Court, allowing the murder case against McCain to move forward.

“One step closer to justice. We are so thankful for the work of the District Attorney’s office,” stated Nikki’s sister, Kaye Ford, regarding the judge’s decision.

As previously reported by CrimeOnline, the Redding Police Department noted Nikki last communicated with her family on May 17, 2024, before being picked up from a residence in Redding, near the Win-River Casino.

Her truck was also declared missing, but authorities eventually located it, a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche with California license plate DP154UT, on May 25, 2024, in western Tehama County, as per the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.

Shasta County authorities later reclassified Nikki’s disappearance as a homicide, and charged Tyler McCain with the murder last month.

Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett indicated that Tyler McCain’s motive was to prevent Nikki, who was a mother of four, from testifying against him in a domestic abuse case.

He has pleaded not guilty. An arraignment has been scheduled for October 7.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Nikki McCain/Handout]