The FBI has announced a $25,000 reward for information related to the tragic death of Maleeka Boone, an 8-year-old girl whose lifeless body was discovered earlier this month in Arizona.
Leading the investigation are the FBI Phoenix Field Office in collaboration with the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation, while they receive support from local and state agencies.
As initially reported by CrimeOnline, Maleeka was found dead on January 16, following her disappearance from the Coalmine Navajo Housing Authority area near Tuba City.
A Turquoise Alert, also referred to as an “Emily’s Law” alert, was issued by police after Maleeka’s disappearance, as the circumstances surrounding her case were deemed “unexplained or suspicious.”
Family members reported their concern to Navajo police, noting that Maleeka’s prolonged absence was unusual and out of character for her.
The FBI detailed that Maleeka had left the home of a family member at approximately 4:15 p.m., intending to return to her own residence.
“Both residents are in the same neighborhood and in close proximity to each other,” the FBI said.
That same afternoon, police found her deceased in a field near Coalmine, but so far, it’s unclear if foul play is suspected.
“This is our first tragedy that has come from a Turquoise Alert,” Rhonda Dequier, founder of the Missing in America Network, told FOX 10.
Anyone with information about Mollie’s case should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov. Tispters can also contact the Navajo Police Department, Tuba City District, at 928-283-3111 or 928-283-3112.
[Feature Photo via the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation]
