Eight-year-old Navajo girl found dead after Turquoise Alert search

Maleeka Boone, an 8-year-old girl who was reported missing from the Coalmine NHA housing area on the Navajo Nation on January 15, was found dead the next day after a coordinated search by tribal and federal authorities. The Navajo Police Department said the discovery came during joint operations involving the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation, the FBI and U.S. Marshals. Officials have not disclosed where her body was found or the manner of death.

Law enforcement issued a Turquoise Alert after Maleeka’s disappearance, a public notification system used in Arizona for missing or endangered people under 65 that includes tribal members. The alert included the child’s physical description and last-known clothing and guided the initial search. After investigators located Maleeka, authorities placed the Coalmine area on lockdown and asked residents to remain in their homes while evidence collection and interviews were underway.

The multiagency response illustrates how tribal, state and federal resources mobilize when a child goes missing on the reservation. Investigators describe the probe as ongoing and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted through the FBI tip line or through the Navajo Police Tuba City District. Sharing verified information quickly can be critical to developing leads while preserving the integrity of an active investigation.

For Coalmine residents and nearby communities, the immediate impact included restricted movement and heavy law enforcement presence as officers canvassed neighborhoods and reviewed leads. Community members should expect continued investigative activity in the area and coordinate with the Tuba City District for public safety information. Avoid sharing unverified photos or speculation on social media that could hinder investigative work or harm the family.

The broader relevance extends beyond this case: Turquoise Alerts are a vital tool for rapid public notification across jurisdictional lines, and this incident highlights the necessity of timely reporting and clear channels for tips. If you saw anything near the Coalmine NHA area on or around January 15 or have any information, call the FBI tip line or contact Navajo Police Tuba City District immediately.

Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. For readers on the Navajo Nation, expect continued law enforcement activity and follow official channels for updates; if you can help, make your tip known.