Human remains found in Whiteriver identified as missing girl: family

WHITERIVER, Ariz. - Human remains that were found in Navajo County have been identified as a girl who went missing last month, according to family members.

What we know:

Family members tell FOX 10's Justin Lum that the remains have been identified as 16-year-old Challistia Colelay, who reportedly went missing on Oct. 16.

"The mother of 16yo Challistia Colelay confirms the human remains found in Whiteriver on 11/3 have been identified as Tia. It’s unknown if foul play is involved. Her mom says Tia went missing on 10/16. She learned the news last night," Lum wrote on X.

What we don't know:

It's unknown how Challistia died.

The backstory:

The White Mountain Apache Police Department says the remains were found on Nov. 3 near the Knots Landing community in Whiteriver. The victim was described as being tall with a thin build and long brown hair, wearing a tan T-shirt, black and white plaid pants and black high-top sneakers.

It should be noted that White Mountain Apache Police's Facebook post on the discovery did not identify the remains as being those of Challistia. Comments have also been turned off for the post.

We have reached out to the White Mountain Apache Police for comment.

Meanwhile, officials with the Bureau of Indian Affairs released the following statement:

"The BIA Fort Apache Agency and the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police are continuing to investigate this case to bring closure to [Challistia Colelay's] family and community and justice to those responsible. At this time, we do not have additional information to share.

Any members of the community with information related to [Challistia Colelay's] death are encouraged to please contact the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit Hotline by phone at 1-833-560-2065, by email at OJS_MMU@bia.gov, or by texting keyword BIAMMU and your tip to 847411."

Family remembers girl

On Nov. 5, we spoke with Challistia's godmother, Lula Colelay, over the phone.

What they're saying:

Lula was still in shock, and during the interview, she said Challistia had ran away before, but always came home. She immediately called police after White Mountain Apache Police announced the human remains discovery.

"All I wanted to know was is it a female or male, and she said it was a female," Lula recounted.

On the night of Nov. 4, Lula said police matched evidence with the description that she provided regarding the last time she saw Challistia, who they also knew as ‘Tia.’

"All the pictures, her bracelet, her necklace, her shoes, her phone, everything else that they showed me was, that’s when they said ‘well, we’re saying that it’s her,'" said Lula.

Lula, meanwhile, is left without answers as to her daughter's death.

"I don’t really know if it’s foul play, if it’s a murder," Lula said.

Loved ones said an autopsy is set to take place on Nov. 6.

Family Statement:

Challistia Colelays death is being investigated as a homicide by the BIA, FBI, and White Mountain Apache Police; the investigation is ongoing and active.

Her remains were discovered less than 1 mile from her home. Tia informed her family that she was going to a friend's house but never returned, prompting a missing person report to be filed.

Lack of Turquoise Alert issuance prompts questions

Dig deeper:

We reached out to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to see if White Mountain Apache Police ever requested a Turquoise Alert. In response, a spokesperson said no formal request was made, but it’s up to the investigating agency to determine if the case meets statutory criteria before contacting DPS for the alert.

DPS officials also said this is the first time officials have been made aware of Challistia’s case, but has since learned she was reported missing twice in October 2024.

Ultimately, both cases closed.

What you can do:

The family appreciates community support and is requesting donations to their GoFundMe.

Map of area where the remains were found

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