Testimony continues in Tyler McCain’s preliminary hearing, who’s accused of killing his wife, Nikki McCain.
On Tuesday, at the Shasta County Superior Court in California, Luis Barajas resumed his testimony from the previous week, discussing his alleged romantic involvement with Nikki, as reported by ABC 7.
Barajas shared that they were together on May 17, 2024, which was the last day Nikki was seen. He mentioned that their frequent communication, consisting of texts and calls, suddenly stopped on May 18 following a disagreement.
According to earlier reports by CrimeOnline, the Redding Police Department indicated that Nikki had her last conversation with her family on May 17, 2024, before being picked up from a residence in Redding, close to the Win-River Casino.
Her truck, a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche with California license plate DP154UT, was also missing, but police recovered it on May 25, 2024, in western Tehama County, as stated by 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 stated that Tyler McCain’s motive for the alleged crime was to prevent Nikki, a mother of four, from testifying against him in a domestic abuse case.
Although Nikki’s body has yet to be found, the prosecution has utilized forensic evidence, including blood found in the truck and recorded statements, to demonstrate probable cause.
When questioned by the prosecution, Barajas denied having any involvement in Nikki’s disappearance.
Last week, Barajas told the court that he met Nikki when he worked at an Anderson phone store. He claimed Nikki told him she planned on divorcing Tyler.
Barajas also said that Nikki told him that her husband tortured and beat her.
Tyler McCain’s mother, Jeanette Hayward, also testified Tuesday. She claimed that alcohol use affected her memory of events around the time Nikki vanished.
She admitted to drinking heavily—about a pint of vodka daily—which she said impaired her recollection.
Hayward did, however, recount that Tyler called her in May 2024 to pick him up in Red Bluff following an incident with the couple’s Avalanche.
During questioning, she appeared uncertain about many details, often responding, “I don’t recall.”
The prosecution challenged her on her memory lapses, alleging that Hayward discussed case information with her daughter, despite a court order prohibiting witnesses from sharing details.
Carolyn Heitaman, a forensic analyst with the Department of Justice, also took the stand Tuesday.
She testified regarding the DNA analysis of several items, including a white sheet found in the Avalanche. She said multiple DNA profiles were found on the sheet, including from Nikki, Tyler, Luis, Tyler’s cousin, Larry Flolutz and a man who lived on the McCain property, Justin Karren.
Luis Barajas admitted on the stand that he had sex with Nikki the night before she disappeared, and that they used a white sheet to throw over a couch.
The sheet had three corners tied into knots, each containing different DNA samples. Most crucial was the blood and hair evidence, which predominantly matched Nikki’s DNA, Heitsman said.
Additional testimonies are expected as the hearing continues. The prosecution stated that the hearing is expecting to conclude on Thursday.
Tyler McCain has pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
Anyone with information on Nikki’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Unit by email at MCU@shastacounty.gov or call 530-245-6135 and reference case number SCSO24-002069.
[Feature Photo: Nikki Saelee-McCain/Handout]
