This American Life
This American Life
This American Life
858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story
1 hour 7 minutes Posted Apr 13, 2025 at 10:00 pm.
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Show notes
A couple devises a strategy to get their daughter's killer prosecuted and to get attention for other Native families. 
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)