This American Life: Episode 858 – "How to Tell a Dumb American Story"

Host: Ira Glass
Producer: This American Life in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago
Release Date: April 13, 2025

Introduction: The Story of Micah Westwolf

In this emotionally charged episode, This American Life delves into the harrowing case of Micah Westwolf, a 22-year-old Native American woman from the Blackfeet Nation, who was tragically killed in a hit and run incident. Hosted by Ira Glass and reported by Sierra Crane Murdoch, the episode explores themes of systemic injustice, racial discrimination, and the relentless pursuit of justice by Micah’s grieving parents, Kevin Howard and Carissa Heavy Runner.

The Night Micah Was Killed

[02:26] Kevin Howard:
"Micah's family lives on the Flathead Indian Reservation. It's in a valley surrounded by big, toothy mountains. Micah was 22 years old the night she was killed."

Kevin recounts the events of that fateful night when Micah and her younger brother were returning home after visiting a bar. Micah decided to walk home to retrieve her misplaced phone, leading to her being fatally struck by a vehicle driven by Sunny White, a white woman with alleged ties to white supremacist groups.

[02:48] Kevin Howard:
"He thought the driver might get away with it. The driver was white. Micah was Native, a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation."

Sarah, Kevin's wife, recalls the initial response from the tribal police and their hopes that the perpetrator would be brought to justice. However, the reality of their distrust in law enforcement quickly set in.

Initial Interactions with Law Enforcement

[03:19] Micah Westwolf:
"...I repeated, she did not have her phone on her. It was in her brother's car. Why do you need it?"

When Kevin and Carissa approached the Montana Highway Patrol, led by investigator Wayne Bieber, intentions to procure Micah’s phone were met with resistance and vague explanations. The family suspected racial bias played a role in the mishandling of the case.

[07:18] Wayne Bieber:
"I've been running around with my head cut off the last couple weeks, trying to get caught up on a bunch of other stuff."

Bieber’s dismissive attitude further fueled the Howard family’s frustration and determination to seek justice independently.

A History of Injustice Against Native Communities

Sierra Crane Murdoch provides historical context, highlighting the long-standing mistrust between Native American communities and law enforcement. Since the 1860s, policing on reservations has often prioritized the safety of white settlers over the protection of Native citizens, leading to systemic neglect and underprosecution of crimes affecting Indigenous people.

[11:35] Sierra Crane Murdoch:
"Trust of law enforcement has only grown."

This systemic issue is underscored by statistics revealing that Native pedestrians are six times more likely to be victims of hit and runs compared to their white counterparts, with perpetrators rarely held accountable.

Taking Matters into Their Own Hands

Confronted with bureaucratic inertia, Kevin and Carissa decide to investigate Micah’s death themselves. Collaborating with tribal advocate Erica Shelby, they gather evidence, secure surveillance footage, and connect with a lawyer to press for accountability.

[15:36] Carissa Heavy Runner:
"If you name your kids Aaron and Nation, chances are you're an affiliate."

The Howard family's investigative efforts reveal disturbing patterns of white drivers evading justice, often escaping severe consequences due to systemic loopholes and prejudiced judicial practices.

Community and Collective Action

Realizing the power of collective action, Kevin and Carissa organize a four-day march along Highway 93, bringing national attention to the plight of Native pedestrians. Their activism inspires other families, including Bonnie Asensio and Tricia Finley, who have lost children in similar circumstances, to join the fight for justice.

[27:38] Carissa Heavy Runner:
"Americans are dumb like that. They just need us, you know, like the big villain and the kind sweethearted victim or whatever."

The march, coupled with strategic use of social media campaigns like the "Micah Matters" Facebook group, amplifies their message and pressures law enforcement to act.

Legal Struggles and the Pursuit of Justice

Despite mounting evidence, prosecutorial challenges persist. Lake County prosecutor James Lapotka faces immense pressure yet struggles to secure convictions against drivers like Sunny White. The ensuing legal battles reveal deep-seated biases and procedural shortcomings within the Montana Highway Patrol and the broader judicial system.

[33:04] Bonnie Asensio:
"I tried to assure them, like, I'm not a white supremacist comfort and up a homicide for my white supremacist friend."

Lapotka’s handling of cases often leans towards leniency, attributing deaths to victims' alleged misconduct rather than holding drivers accountable, thereby perpetuating a cycle of injustice.

The Climactic Plea Deal

After relentless advocacy and media attention, Sunny White is finally charged with negligent vehicular homicide. The Howard family faces a moral dilemma when offered a plea deal that significantly reduces potential incarceration time.

[40:58] Kevin Howard:
"I was thinking like, yeah, plea bargain. That's the easy way out."

Carissa, the family's spokesperson, grapples with accepting the deal, weighing personal justice against broader societal change. Her internal conflict strains her marriage with Kevin, highlighting the personal toll of their activism.

[56:07] Carissa Heavy Runner:
"I hold Lake County responsible. I hold this court responsible."

Ultimately, the plea deal is accepted, resulting in Sunny White receiving a 25-year sentence with 15 years suspended and a parole ineligibility period of 10 years. While Carissa feels a sense of closure, Kevin remains dissatisfied, feeling that true justice remains elusive.

Aftermath and Reflections

The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of Micah’s death on her family and community. Carissa and Kevin’s relationship suffers under the weight of their unresolved grief and differing approaches to justice. Their story serves as a poignant commentary on the systemic issues facing Native American communities and the personal sacrifices made in the quest for justice.

[57:58] Kevin Howard:
"This is how grief affected all of the other parents I met. Which makes what Carissa and Kevin did feel even more extraordinary. But it cost them, too."

Sierra Crane Murdoch hints at broader implications and forthcoming revelations in her new book, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for accountability and equality in Native American territories.

Notable Quotes

• Carissa Heavy Runner [02:48]:
  "Like, if you knew Micah, probably the most stubborn person I know, like, she would just fight tooth and nail over the dumbest thing to the bitter end."

• Kevin Howard [05:37]:
  "Why wouldn't she be in jail still?"

• Carissa Heavy Runner [44:55]:
  "Miss. This is an opportunity."

• Micah Westwolf [57:58]:
  "I had to do what I had to do, as hard as it was so hard. And this is what all these other families are up against, when you should just be able to grieve and trust the system."

Conclusion: A Call for Change

This American Life episode "How to Tell a Dumb American Story" offers a gripping exploration of a family's fight against systemic injustice. Through meticulous storytelling and evocative interviews, the episode sheds light on the pervasive issues facing Native American communities and underscores the enduring resilience of those seeking truth and accountability.

Produced by: Nikki Meek
Edited by: Dana Chivas
Additional Contributions: Gendai Bonds, Michael Kamate, Michael Daniel Jochi, Angela Gervasi, Catherine Raimondo, Stone Nelson, Ryan Rummery, Frances Swanson, Marisa Robertson, Texter, Julie Whitaker, Diane Wu
Managing Editor: Sara Abderrahman
Senior Editor: David Kestenbaum
Executive Editor: Emmanuel Berry
Special Thanks to: Fund for Investigative Journalism, Sarah Two Teeth, Brian Dupuis, Cheryl Horne, Dave Blanchard, Becky Blanchard and family

This American Life continues to be the most popular weekly podcast globally, offering true stories that resonate with the human experience, enriched by moments of humor, profound emotion, and unexpected twists.