Executive Summary
- The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information regarding the death of 8-year-old Maleeka Boone.
- Boone went missing on January 15 while walking between relatives’ homes in Coalmine, Arizona.
- Her body was discovered in a nearby field on the morning of January 16.
- The FBI is urging the public to report any relevant information to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
PHOENIX — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a cash reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the death of Maleeka “Mollie” Boone, an 8-year-old girl residing on the Navajo Nation.
According to statements from the FBI Phoenix field office, Boone was reported missing from her neighborhood in Coalmine, Arizona, around 6:00 p.m. on January 15. Investigators established that the child had left a relative’s residence at approximately 4:15 p.m. to walk to her own home, which authorities noted was located in close proximity.
The search concluded the following morning, January 16, when Boone’s body was discovered in a field within the Coalmine community at approximately 8:30 a.m. While federal agents have not publicly disclosed specific details regarding the cause of death, the case is being treated as a homicide investigation requiring public assistance.
The FBI urges anyone with information regarding the incident to contact their toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Tips can also be reported to local FBI offices, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submitted anonymously online.
Investigative Outlook
The involvement of the FBI highlights the federal jurisdiction over major crimes committed on tribal lands in Arizona. By offering a significant financial incentive, investigators are likely attempting to elicit critical testimony from community members who may be hesitant to come forward. As the investigation into this fatality continues, authorities are focusing on reconstructing the timeline of the victim’s movements between the two residences. It is important to note that while law enforcement is actively pursuing leads, no specific suspects have been named, and any individuals eventually accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
