Senator urges statewide alert changes after 8‑year‑old's death, cites 10½‑hour delay

Senator Toffley asked the Arizona Senate on Jan. 22 to change the state's alert procedures after an 8‑year‑old from her community, identified in remarks as Malika (Molly) Boone, was found dead following a delayed alert.

"It took 10 and a half hours for this alert to go out," Toffley said on the Senate floor, describing a search that began the evening the girl went missing and a turquoise alert that did not reach her community in time. "We need to make some amendments. We need to make some changes so that there is a statewide alert." She asked colleagues to remember the child and to pursue legislative fixes.

Toffley said the alert was heard 30 minutes away and then 3½ hours away but not in her area, and stressed that long travel times in her district increase the risk that a child abducted locally could be taken far from home before notice is sent. She did not specify particular statutory language or an exact bill amendment on the floor during her remarks.

The Senate did not take immediate action on a specific amendment during this session. Toffley framed her comments as a call to lawmakers and staff to pursue changes, referencing prior bills that had been discussed in relation to turquoise alerts. The presiding officer offered condolences and the Senate observed a moment of silence.

Next steps were not set on the Senate floor during this meeting; Toffley asked colleagues to bring amendments forward and the matter may be addressed in future committee work or bill language.