MISSING: Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
Release Date: 01/14/2025
SPOTLIGHT: Bone Valley Talk with Gilbert King x The Moms
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
Today we have the honor of speaking with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the mastermind behind the podcast Bone Valley, Gilbert King. Known for his deep dives into the complexities of criminal justice, Gilbert has spent years unraveling the haunting story of Leo Schofield, a man wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife. In this fascinating bonus episode, we discuss the emotional toll of telling such a gripping and complex story, the challenges of turning a multi-decade case into a podcast, and what it’s like working with the very people involved in these crimes. From Leo's...
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MISSING: Ryan Shtuka
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
This week we are breaking down the mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka. On a cold February night in 2018, Ryan left a house party in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, expecting a short walk home. But he was never seen again. What should have been a 10-15 minute walk turned into a haunting mystery that continues to unsettle the local community. Join us as we follow Ryan’s family on their emotional journey, their tireless search for answers, and the global movement that grew from this heartbreaking case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kamloops Rural RCMP at...
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SPOTLIGHT: Drone Talk with The Moms x Gabe Lenners of Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones!
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
Hey guys! In this special bonus episode, we're joined by Gabe Lenners, the host of the intriguing podcast Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones, to dive deep into the mysterious world of drones (and we take on some conspiracy theories, because, why not?!). Gabe takes us behind the scenes of his investigation into unexplained drone sightings over the skies of Nebraska, Colorado, and beyond. What started as a local story quickly spiraled into a nationwide mystery—one that has conspiracy theorists buzzing. We talk drones, UFOs (or UAPs, if you’re in the know), and even a little storm-chasing...
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MISSING: Brian Shaffer
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
This week, we are discussing one of the most perplexing missing persons cases of the 2000s—the disappearance of Brian Shaffer. On April 1, 2006, Brian, a 27-year-old Ohio State medical student, was last seen entering the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio. But here’s where it gets strange: while there’s surveillance footage of him walking in, there’s no footage or evidence of him ever leaving. Despite numerous theories and a massive search, Brian has never been found, and his disappearance remains unsolved to this day. Tune in as we explore the mystery surrounding Brian's case and...
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MAILBAG: April Mailbag
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
In today’s bonus episode of Moms and Mysteries, we're diving into an intriguing batch of listener-submitted stories that are equal parts wild, hilarious, and mysterious. From strange run-ins with the law to unexpected twists that leave you questioning everything, these stories are anything but ordinary. Key Highlights: An Unforeseen Investigation: A seemingly innocent task turns into a major headache, involving local authorities in ways no one could have predicted. A Highway Chase... or Was It?: A routine drive turns into a tense situation with flashing lights and an officer who has a...
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MYSTERY: Ghost Blimp
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most chilling and unsolved aviation mysteries of all time—the disappearance of two Navy crew members aboard the infamous Ghost Blimp, the L-8. After taking off from Treasure Island, San Francisco, on August 16, 1942, the blimp was found hours later in a Daly City neighborhood—completely unmanned and eerily drifting like a ghost ship. So, what happened to Lieutenant Ernest Cody and Ensign Charles Adams? In this episode, we’ll break down the true crime mystery that still haunts the aviation world to this day. Was it human error, foul...
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ORIGINS: Firsts in Crime: DNA Breakthroughs, a Talking Parrot, and the Body Farm
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
We're going to dive into some of the most shocking "firsts" in true crime history. From the groundbreaking use of DNA to convict a killer, to a parrot’s surprising role in a murder case, and the infamous Golden State Killer finally being caught—this episode has it all. Plus, we explore the fascinating origins of the Body Farm and how it changed forensic science forever. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Right now IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. If you...
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MYSTERY: The Disappearance of Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Captain Bertrand Saldo
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
In July of 2002, former NBA star Bison Dele, his girlfriend Serena Karlan, and a boat captain named Bertrand Saldo vanished while sailing the South Pacific Ocean. The only person to return from the trip was Bison’s older brother, Miles. When Miles arrived alone in Tahiti, the boat had been repainted and renamed. Authorities suspected Miles had murdered the other three while at sea so that he could assume his brother’s identity, but with no bodies ever found and with Miles’ death in 2002, the fate of Bison and his companions remains a mystery to this day. Research by Charity Dodd...
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UPDATE: The Murder of Brittanee Drexel
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
This week, we are giving an update on the story of Brittanee Drexel. Since our last episode, there have been civil lawsuits as well as a new arrest. From the original episode: This week we are discussing Brittanee Drexel, a strong-minded and independent young woman whose life was taken by a man whom the police had suspected almost immediately after her disappearance, but he wouldn't be charged with her murder for over a decade. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to gets you up to 48% off your first subscription for the next 10 days or 20% off for a one time purchase...
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MURDERED: Harvey Milk and George Moscone
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
THE HOLLAND SHOWING IS NOW FULL! Harvey Milk was a trailblazing politician and activist with a charismatic and fearless personality. In 1977, he became California’s first openly gay elected official and became a powerful voice for marginalized communities…. But on the morning of November 27, 1978, Harvey’s life was cut short just one year into his term when he and Mayor George Moscone became the target of a shocking act of violence. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Head over to and find something that’s just your style today. Wayfair. Every style. Every...
info_outlineThis week we are discussing the mysterious disappearance of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain. Born in Taiwan and raised in Seattle, Nikki's life took a serious turn when her tumultuous relationship with her husband, Tyler, escalated to severe abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her forgiving nature and hopes for a better future, Nikki went missing in May 2024, with her abandoned truck later found in a remote area. As Nikki's family continues their search for answers, Tyler's inconsistent claims and legal troubles raise suspicions about his involvement in her disappearance.
Check-out the family's linktree with more information on Nikki and the family's search for her: https://linktr.ee/findnikki
Research by Haley Gray with assistance from Whitney St. Andre.
Thank you Kaye and Chloe for sharing your sister's story with us!
Thank you to this week’s sponsors!
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Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality
Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more!
To help Nikki and her family, please join the Facebook page, share Nikki’s story and flyer.
Anyone who has information about Nikki or how she disappeared, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 530.245.6135 or email [email protected]. You may also submit tips through www.scsecretwitness.com/submit-a-tip. [source 1, 16]
Nikki is described as being around five feet inches tall, weighing 100 pounds with brownish red hair and brown eyes. She has a forearm tattoo with flowers.
Sources:
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Benda, David, “Justice for Nikki”, Record Searchlight, 4 July 2024
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Arthur, Damon, “We are her voice today”, Record Searchlight, 8 July 2024
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Arthur, Damon, “Reward to help…”, Record Searchlight, 23 July 2024
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Arthur, Damon, “Records detail ‘volatile…” Record Searchlight, 28 July 2024
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Schwaller, Shawn, “New Information Emerges…”, A News Cafe, 9 Aug 2024
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Schwaller, Shawn, “New Sources Shed Light…”, A News Cafe, 13 July 2024
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Bruinsma, Sophia, “Community Unites…”, KRCR News, 31 May 2024
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Tedford, Maxwell, “Husband of missing woman…” KRCR News, 4 July 2024
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Kennedy, Dana, “Missing mom…”, NY Post, 17 Aug 2024
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Turning, Anna, “No clues in May disappearance…” NBC News 23 July 2024
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Bruinsma, Sophia, “Husband of missing Redding…” KRCR News, 23 Aug 2024
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Pierce, Annelise, “Tyler McCain’s Felony DV Charges…” Shasta Scout, 9 July 2024
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Interview with Chloe & Kaye