Fallis’ trial set for June 4, judge rules against bail reduction

UKIAH, CA., 4/10/18 — The primary suspect in the disappearance of Khadijah Britton, Negie Fallis, had his request for a bail reduction denied at a hearing on Friday, and will go on to trial on June 4. Fallis, 37, is charged with kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, stemming from an assault he is accused of committing against Britton, a 23 year old woman from Round Valley, in January — in addition to being the primary suspect in her disappearance. Britton has not been seen since Feb. 7 and her disappearance has resulted in an outpouring of support and frustration from the Round Valley community. Fallis’ bail reduction was denied by Judge Cyndee Mayfield in Mendocino Superior Court on April 6, where he was represented by public defender Christiane Hipps.

Fallis also appeared in court on March 23 for his preliminary hearing also presided over by Judge Mayfield, where he was guarded by several MCSO deputies. At both court appearances, about 20 of Britton’s family and friends packed the courtroom. Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster himself acted as prosecutor and outlined the details of the January incident. Deputy James Elmore of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office testified that he had investigated the incident after Britton contacted one of the Round Valley Tribal Police deputies to report the attack, in which Fallis allegedly threatened to kill Britton, struck her with a hammer, and insisted she leave with him in a car after a break-up. Elmore also testified that Britton had related that Fallis threatened to kill her that evening, or if she got away. Fallis’ attorney requested that bail be reduced in order for Fallis to care for his three children, which Judge Mayfield denied on Friday.