Tyler McCain, charged in the death of his wife, Nikki Saelee-McCain, appears in Shasta County Superior Court on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, for his arraignment prior to a November trial. Photo by Mike Chapman for A News Cafe. © All rights reserved.
Tyler McCain was back in Shasta County Superior Court this morning for his arraignment that lasted just a few minutes. This time, McCain’s was among a number of cases heard by Honorable Judge Adam Ryan in room 41.
McCain, whose facial stubble matched the hair on his shaved head, was escorted in and out of the courtroom by a pair of Shasta County Marshals.
McCain’s case was heard first, where his attorney Michael Borges confirmed his client’s not-guilty pleas to numerous charges filed against McCain in connection with Saelee-McCain’s alleged murder.
McCain is charged in the death of his wife, Nikki Saelee-McCain, who disappeared on May 18, 2025, shortly before McCain was to appear in court regarding allegations of domestic violence against Saelee-McCain. Although Saelee-McCain’s body has not been found, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett has filed charges against McCain in one of the county’s rare “no-body” murder cases.
Judge Ryan replaced visiting Judge Thomas Bender, who’d presided over McCain’s eight-day preliminary hearing throughout September.
McCain’s jury trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18, 2025. The department and judge are both yet to be determined.
The Nov. 18 trial will be preceded by a review hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 27, 2025, a settlement conference at 2 p.m. on Nov. 3. 2025, and a trial readiness conference at 8:15 am on Nov. 12, 2025, all of which will be presided over by Judge Ryan.
Tyler McCain is charged with one count of murder and a special circumstance that the murder was committed with the intent to prevent testimony. He is also charged with domestic violence charges including corporal injury to a spouse, false imprisonment, criminal threats and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. Tyler McCain remains in custody at the Shasta County Jail without bail.
Editor’s note: This story was edited for additional clarity at 11:48 a.m. on Oct. 22., 2025.
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