Federal and local authorities are investigating the death of an 8-year-old girl who was reported missing on tribal lands in northern Arizona.
Maleeka "Mollie" Boone was last seen alive at around 6 p.m. local time on Jan. 15 in the area of the Coalmine Navajo Housing Authority near Tuba City, according to theNavajo Police Department. The Coalmine Canyon area is located in the Navajo Nation and is about 240 miles north of Phoenix.
Navajo police reported that Maleeka's family was concerned for their daughter "since it is out of character for her to be gone for an extended period of time." ATurquoise Alert was issuedearly on Jan. 16 after police determined that Maleeka went missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, theArizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.
Missing persons alerts:Native Americans go missing at alarming rates. Advocates hope a new alert code can help
The alert, which was issued for missing or endangered Indigenous people, was later canceled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation afterMaleeka's body was found in the Coalmine areathat same day, according to theFBI's Phoenix Field Officeand Navajo police.
Authorities have not provided any further information on the circumstances surrounding Maleeka's disappearance and death, citing the ongoing investigation. The FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation are leading the investigation, with assistance from local and state agencies.
"Since yesterday, we have received an outpouring of love as you all shared your memories and condolences with us regarding Maleeka 'Mollie' Boone," Navajo police said in astatement on Jan. 17. "Seeing the positive impact this sweet girl had on so many people, near and far, has helped lift each heavy heart."
Anyone with information regarding the case was urged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or 1-800-225-5324 or the Navajo Police Department Tuba City District at (928) 283-3111 or (928) 283-3112.
8-year-old girl was last seen playing in Coalmine Canyon area
Maleeka was last seen from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time on Jan. 15, playing within the area of the Coalmine Navajo Housing Authority, according to Navajo police. Police described her as 4 feet, 5 inches tall, with a light complexion, and weighing 50 to 60 pounds.
Authorities noted that she had long hair that was French braided on each side and was last seen wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and cowboy boots.
At about 4:53 a.m. on Jan. 16, Navajo police issued a Turquoise Alert and launched a search for Maleeka in the Coalmine area.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Flagstaff PoliceDepartment, the FBI, and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation assisted in the search. Volunteers in the Coalmine community also helped with the search, police said.
The alert was canceled later on Jan. 16, and the FBI said Maleeka's body was found and identified in the Coalmine area. Police said the area was on lockdown and all residents were asked to remain within their homes as law enforcement conducted further investigation.
"The FBI has set up a command station in Coalmine, Arizona, and a search continues for any information," Navajo police said in a statement on Jan. 16. "Details of when Maleeka Boone was last seen from her family and community members is still under investigation."
'This tragedy weighs heavy on my heart'
In avideo statementshared on social media, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said Maleeka's death was devastating and shared his condolences with her family and the Coalmine Canyon community.
"This tragedy weighs heavy on my heart," Nygren said, adding that Maleeka's death came weeks after another child was killed in a fatalChristmas parade crash in Kayenta, a town part of the Navajo Nation.
The25th Navajo Nation Counciland the Missing and Murdered Diné Relative (MMDR) Task Force also shared their prayers and condolences with the family of Maleeka and the Coalmine community.
"The loss of a child is especially heartbreaking, and during this time of grief, we call upon our relatives across the Navajo Nation to support one another in prayer, lifting Maleeka's parents and loved ones with healing, strength, and comfort," Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said in a statement.
According to the statement, Delegate Casey Allen Johnson, who represents the Coalmine Chapter, was coordinating with emergency responders, the MMDR Task Force, and Navajo Nation programs.
"I am working closely with the Missing and Murdered Diné Relative Task Force and Navajo Nation programs to implement a healing plan centered on family and community support," Johnson said in the statement. "Healing will take time, but we are committed to walking this path together with care, prayer, and support."
'Just another dead Indian':Indigenous woman's murder shows systemic struggles in MMIW cases
What is a Turquoise Alert?
TheTurquoise Alertsystem is activated when a person goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances and is believed to be endangered, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
In May 2025, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a measure that established "Turquoise Alerts" for missing Indigenous people. It's known as"Emily's Law,"named in honor of slain San Carlos Apache teenEmily Pike, whose remains werefound on Feb. 14, 2025, about 100 miles away from where she was last seen at her group home in Mesa, Arizona.
The14-year-old's deathsparked national attention on theMissing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisisand prompted Arizona lawmakers to amend and pass "Emily's Law."
For decades, Indigenous communities have been plagued with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of tribal members, according to theBureau of Indian Affairs. Indigenous people account for a disproportionately high number of missing persons cases and violent deaths.
A Turquoise Alert is issued when there is a report of a missing or endangered person, including tribal members, under the age of 65, andspecific criteriaare met, the state Department of Public Safety said.
The following criteria must be met for authorities to issue a Turquoise Alert, according to the state Department of Public Safety:
Sufficient descriptive information is available to assist in finding the person.
The missing person is younger than 65.
The law enforcement agency investigating the missing person report has used all available local resources.
The agency has determined that the person has gone missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
Contributing: Wren Smetana, Rey Covarrubias Jr., and Debra Utacia Krol, Arizona Republic
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Maleeka 'Mollie' Boone case: Missing girl found dead on Navajo Nation
