The Navajo Police Department said on Jan. 16 that 8-year-old Maleeka Boone, who was reported missing from the Coalmine housing area in the Navajo Nation on Jan. 15, was found dead the next day. Authorities have launched a joint investigation with the FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation; officials have not disclosed where she was found or the cause of death. A Turquoise Alert was issued after her disappearance; Boone was described as 4 ft 5 in and 50 lbs, last seen wearing a red jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots. The Coalmine area was placed on lockdown while investigators continue to seek information and tips from the public.
8-Year-Old Maleeka Boone Found Dead After Turquoise Alert in Navajo Nation; Joint FBI Investigation Underway
Navajo Police DepartmentMaleeka Boone
The Navajo Police Department (NPD) confirmed on Jan. 16 that the search for 8-year-old Maleeka Boone has ended after she was found dead, a day after she was reported missing from the Coalmine housing area in the Navajo Nation, northern Arizona.
The NPD said it has opened a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation (NDCI) into Boone’s disappearance and death. Authorities have not released where her body was found or the cause and manner of death, saying those details remain under active investigation.
What Happened
Boone was last seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, at about 6 p.m. local time walking on Cedar Loop in the Coalmine NHA housing area. When she did not return home, family members reported her missing and authorities issued a Turquoise Alert — Arizona’s rapid public-notification system for missing or endangered people under 65, including tribal members.
Navajo Police DepartmentMaleeka Boone
Navajo Police Department: "She has not been seen or heard from since," and the family was concerned because it was out of character for her to be gone for an extended period of time.
Search and Response
Law enforcement agencies assisting in the search included the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marshals Service missing-persons unit, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and NDCI. Local volunteers also organized community search teams with briefings and assignments.
The Turquoise Alert described Boone as a Native American female, about 4 feet 5 inches tall and 50 pounds, with brown eyes and long brown hair in French braids. She was last seen wearing a red jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Following the recovery of Boone’s body, officials placed the Coalmine area on lockdown and asked residents to remain in their homes while investigators continued their work. The FBI established a command station in Coalmine as part of the coordinated response. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
Navajo Police DepartmentMaleeka Boone
How to Help: Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov, or the Navajo Police Department, Tuba City District, at 928-283-3111 or 928-283-3112.
Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, officials have declined to release further details at this time. The NPD and partner agencies said they will provide updates as appropriate.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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