Arizona girl, 8, may have been killed by vehicle in hit-and-run, police say

Federal authorities continue to investigate cause of death Angel “Molly” Boone – A Native girl who disappeared while playing near an Arizona coal mine on January 15 – is now believed to have been hit by a car in what they are calling a hit-and-run.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office and the Navajo Nation Police Department revealed Wednesday, February 25, that Boone appeared to have been hit by a passing vehicle on the night of January 15. They believe the driver may have been completely unaware that they had hit the little girl, which may shed light on why the vehicle did not stop.

Investigators said the vehicle was likely large – possibly a pickup truck – and said they wanted to speak with the driver.

Boone, a member of the Navajo Nation, was reported missing on January 15 at approximately 6 p.m. Police believe Boone was walking home after playing with neighborhood friends when he was struck by a passing, possibly unaware driver.

Soon after, “Turquoise Alert” — Arizona’s rapid public notification system for missing or endangered individuals under the age of 65, including tribal members — was issued.

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The child is described in the alert as “a Native American female, 4 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 50 pounds, with brown eyes and long brown hair French braided on the sides” who was last seen wearing a “red jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots.”

Boone’s body was discovered around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 16 in a field near the Navajo Mine Housing Authority.

The search for Boone included agents, sergeants 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 anyone who may have information about a vehicle that was traveling on Cedar Loop Road within the Coalmine Navajo Housing Authority between 5:50 and 6:20 p.m. on Jan. 15 to speak.

“The FBI has established a command post at the coal mine … and is continuing to seek any information,” the Navajo Police Department wrote in a statement. “The exact time Malika Boone was last seen by family and community members remains under investigation.”

navajo president Boo Nygren A touching statement on Boone’s tragic passing.

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“Our nation mourns the untimely loss of a child,” the statement read, with Nygren offering his condolences to Malika’s loved ones. “We ask that the public keep the family in their prayers and respect 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 leading to Boone’s death.

Anyone with information related to this case or vehicles traveling in the area during certain times is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online: tips.fbi.gov.

The investigation is ongoing. The FBI has not yet detailed developments that led investigators to conclude the child may have been hit by the vehicle, or whether the driver involved has been identified or will face criminal charges.