In this gripping narrative, Sierra Crane Murdoch, along with Mika Westwolf's parents, Kevin Howard and Carissa Heavy Runner, share their heart-wrenching fight for justice following Mika's tragic death in a hit-and-run. The trio highlights the systemic challenges faced by Native families and the historical distrust of law enforcement. Kevin’s determination and Carissa’s public advocacy shine a light on broader injustices, as they recount their interactions with authorities and their strategic moves to elevate their daughter's story and seek accountability.
Mika Westwolf's tragic hit-and-run incident highlights systemic injustices faced by Native communities in legal proceedings and law enforcement responses.
Carissa and Kevin’s grassroots advocacy mobilized community support, drawing attention to the broader issue of violence against Native individuals.
The emotional complexities surrounding the legal outcomes left Mika's parents questioning the effectiveness of the justice system for Native victims.
Deep dives
The Circumstances of Micah's Death
Micah Westwolf, a 22-year-old native woman, was killed in a hit-and-run incident on Highway 93 while returning home after a night out. After her parents reported her missing, law enforcement discovered her body hours later, and initial assurances were given that the suspect was apprehended. However, the suspect, Sunny White, who was white, was not charged with vehicular homicide but rather arrested later for unrelated child endangerment allegations. This disparity in treatment raised serious concerns among Micah's family, highlighting systemic issues regarding fatalities involving Native individuals.
Distrust in Law Enforcement
Micah's family experienced a deeply rooted distrust of law enforcement throughout the investigation, stemming from historical injustice towards Native communities in Montana. As Kevin and Carissa engaged with police investigator Wayne Bieber, they quickly realized he was not effectively managing the case, leading to frustration and feelings of being overlooked. Law enforcement's mention of potential intoxication of Micah as a mitigating factor in her death only deepened their exasperation, as it felt like a shift in blame rather than accountability for the driver. The couple sought help from a tribal advocate to gather evidence and support their own investigation, reflecting their desperation for justice.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
In response to Micah’s death and the handling of the case by local authorities, Micah's family mobilized community support to advocate for justice. They organized a public march along Highway 93, generating significant media attention and raising awareness about the broader issue of violence against Native pedestrians. This grassroots movement helped foster solidarity among other families who had faced similar tragedies, as they gathered to share experiences and collaborate on advocating for systemic change. Carissa, in particular, emerged as a vocal advocate, leveraging her connections to energize public engagement and support.
Legal Complications and Emotional Toll
The legal proceedings were fraught with complications, particularly regarding the decision on whether to pursue a trial or accept a plea deal for Sunny White. As tensions arose between Carissa and Kevin regarding their strategy, the added pressure of the media spotlight further complicated their emotional landscape. When White eventually faced charges, the plea deal allowed for a maximum of ten years in prison, a resolution that left both parents grappling with conflicting emotions about justice. They questioned whether this outcome truly represented accountability or was simply a reflection of a flawed legal system.
Broader Implications for Native Communities
The case of Micah Westwolf exemplifies a troubling trend in which Native people disproportionately face violence on roadways, with systemic neglect from law enforcement and legal authorities. Despite their efforts, both Micah's family and other families of victims still encountered significant challenges in seeking justice, which illuminates a larger pattern of disparities in how cases involving Native victims are treated. Studies indicated that Native pedestrians in Montana are more likely to be killed in hit-and-run incidents compared to their white counterparts, raising grave concerns about societal attitudes and institutional responses. The case underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure that all victims receive equal treatment and justice, regardless of race.
Prologue: Mika Westwolf was killed in a hit-and-run on a Montana highway. Her parents thought the driver might get away with it. The driver was white. Mika was a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation. (1 minute)
Act One: Mika’s parents, Carissa Heavy Runner and Kevin Howard, share recordings of their interactions with law enforcement. (8 minutes)
Act Two: Carissa and Kevin take matters into their own hands. (20 minutes)
Act Three: The county prosecutor explains why he let Mika’s killer out of jail. Will Carissa and Kevin's efforts pay off? Sierra follows them to court. (33 minutes)
