Federal authorities continuing to investigate the death of Maleeka “Mollie” Boone — an indigenous girl who vanished on January 15 while playing in her Coalmine, Arizona, neighborhood — now believe she was hit by a vehicle in what they’re describing as a hit-and-run.
The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office and the Navajo Nation Police Department revealed on Wednesday, February 25, that it appears Boone was struck by a passing vehicle the night of January 15. They believe the driver may have been wholly unaware they had hit the little girl, potentially revealing the reason why the vehicle didn’t stop.
Investigators said the vehicle was likely large — a pickup truck, possibly — and are expressing their desire to speak with the driver.
Boone, a member of the Navajo Nation, was reported missing at approximately 6 p.m. on January 15. Officers believe Boone was making her way home after playing with neighborhood friends when she was hit by the passing, and potentially oblivious, motorist.
A Turquoise Alert — a rapid public notification system in Arizona for missing or endangered individuals under 65, including tribal members — was issued soon after.
The child was described in the alert as “a Native American female, 4 feet 5 inches tall, 50 lbs., with brown eyes and long, brown hair with French braids on both sides,” who was last seen wearing a “red jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots.”
Boone’s body was discovered at around 8:30 a.m. on January 16 in a field within the Coalmine Navajo Housing Authority neighborhood.
The search for Boone included agents, officers and deputies from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Flagstaff Police Department.
Authorities are asking to speak with anyone who may have information about vehicles that were traveling on Cedar Loop Road within the Coalmine Navajo Housing Authority between 5:50 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. on January 15.
“The FBI has set up a command station in Coalmine … and a search continues for any information,” reads a statement from the Navajo Police Department. “Details of when Maleeka Boone was last seen from her family and community members [are] still under investigation.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren issued a touching statement on Boone’s tragic passing.
“Our Nation mourns the loss of a child taken far too soon,” reads the statement, which extends Nygren’s condolences to Maleeka’s loved one. “We ask the public to keep the family in prayer and to respectfully honor their request for privacy during this time of profound grief. May the Creator bring comfort and peace to all who are hurting.”
On Thursday, February 26, the FBI announced a $25,000 reward for information related to Boone’s death.
Anyone with information pertinent to this case or about a vehicle traveling in the area during that specified time is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The investigation remains ongoing. The FBI has yet to elaborate on the development that led investigators to conclude that the child was likely hit by a vehicle and have not said whether the driver in question has been identified or would face criminal charges.
