TUBA CITY, Ariz. (AP) — An 8-year-old girl who went missing on tribal lands in northern Arizona was found dead Friday, authorities reported. Maleeka Boone was last spotted Thursday evening in the Coalmine Canyon area, located approximately 240 miles north of Phoenix.
A spokesperson for the FBI, which is conducting an investigation alongside the tribal police, refrained from providing further details regarding the circumstances of her death. A representative from the Navajo Police Department echoed this sentiment, stating they had no additional information at this time.
In a heartfelt social media video, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed the heavy burden that this tragedy places on the community. This tragedy weighs heavy on my heart, stated Nygren as he addressed the devastating loss.
In response to her disappearance, a Turquoise Alert was issued, a system designed specifically for Native Americans who are missing. This alert system highlights the significant issue of missing persons in Native communities.
In Arizona, the creation of this alert system is referenced as Emily’s Law, in honor of Emily Pike, whose remains were discovered on February 14, more than 100 miles from her group home in Mesa. Pike’s case has brought renewed attention to the alarming rate of disappearances and violent deaths among Native American populations and has prompted lawmakers to take action in hopes of preventing further tragedies.
A spokesperson for the FBI, which is conducting an investigation alongside the tribal police, refrained from providing further details regarding the circumstances of her death. A representative from the Navajo Police Department echoed this sentiment, stating they had no additional information at this time.
In a heartfelt social media video, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed the heavy burden that this tragedy places on the community. This tragedy weighs heavy on my heart, stated Nygren as he addressed the devastating loss.
In response to her disappearance, a Turquoise Alert was issued, a system designed specifically for Native Americans who are missing. This alert system highlights the significant issue of missing persons in Native communities.
In Arizona, the creation of this alert system is referenced as Emily’s Law, in honor of Emily Pike, whose remains were discovered on February 14, more than 100 miles from her group home in Mesa. Pike’s case has brought renewed attention to the alarming rate of disappearances and violent deaths among Native American populations and has prompted lawmakers to take action in hopes of preventing further tragedies.
