DiscoverThis American Life858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story
858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

Update: 2025-04-1313
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A couple devises a strategy to get their daughter's killer prosecuted and to get attention for other Native families. 

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  • 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)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

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858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story

This American Life