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858
April 11, 2025

How to Tell a Dumb American Story

A couple devises a strategy to get their daughter's killer prosecuted and to get attention for other Native families. 

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A woman is protesting while holding a photo of a young girl

Carissa Heavy Runner holds a photo of her daughter Mika while leading a march.

Photo: Laurie Childs

Note: The internet version of this episode contains un-beeped curse words. BEEPED VERSION.

Prologue

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)

By Ira Glass
Act One

Act One

Mika’s parents, Carissa Heavy Runner and Kevin Howard, share recordings of their interactions with law enforcement. (8 minutes)

By Sierra Crane Murdoch
Act Two

Act Two

Carissa and Kevin take matters into their own hands. (20 minutes)

Act Three

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)

Song:

“Old Dirt Road (A Love Song to My Home)” by Dylan Running Crane

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