Questions raised as killed 16 yo Apache girl’s family says arrest made, but authorities tell a different story

Challistia “Tia” Colelay‘s family says an arrest has been made in connection with her death. However, official statements from federal authorities offer conflicting information, creating uncertainty in a case that has already drawn widespread attention since Colelay was reported missing in October 2025.

Some of the tension stems from how the case was handled when Colelay first disappeared. According to Arizona’s ABC15, no Turquoise Alert — a public alert system in Arizona for missing Indigenous people — was issued.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said no Turquoise Alert was issued because the investigating agency never submitted a formal request. The family and advocates argue that failure to request an alert may have limited the public response early on.

An 11-day gap

Meanwhile, Colelay’s loved ones say she went missing from Whiteriver, Arizona, in the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, on October 16, 2025, telling her family she was going to a friend’s house. But Colelelay is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) reports she was officially reported missing on October 27.

Six days later, on November 3, human remains were discovered near Knots Landing, a community in Whiteriver on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Family members said they later identified the remains as Colelay’s after being shown personal items, including her phone, bracelet, necklace, shoes, and other belongings. The BIA and White Mountain Apache Police have declared her death a homicide.

The conflicting arrest report

Then, in a public statement, Colelay’s family said they were told by law enforcement that a minor not related to their daughter is in custody. But in contrast, a BIA spokesperson told media outlets that no arrest has been made, and the case remains under active investigation. At the same time, the BIA’s own case listing describes the investigation as open, suggesting they have not yet reached the point of making a publicly confirmed arrest.

These conflicting statements have raised questions about what law enforcement is actually doing. According to the BIA, they continue to investigate. They are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, and have offered a reward of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to an arrest or conviction.

One possible explanation

Legally speaking, some of the discrepancy could stem from differences in how the word “arrest” is being used. It’s possible the family was told that someone — potentially a juvenile — had been detained or questioned, and interpreted that as an arrest. The BIA, however, appears to be using a stricter definition and has not announced any formal arrest or charges.

What is solidly documented is that Colelay was last seen in October, her body was recovered days later, less than a mile from her home, and authorities now consider her death a homicide. What remains unclear are the details about who is responsible, what evidence may link a suspect to her death, and whether anyone is officially charged. The case continues to be investigated by the BIA, White Mountain Apache Police, and federal partners.

Community members and Colelay’s family are calling for transparency and accountability as they wait for clarity. The BIA is accepting tips via a hotline (1-833-560-2065), by emailing [email protected], or by texting “BIAMMU” to 847411.”411.