Missing Arizona Girl Found After 11 Frantic Days; 20-Year-Old Arrested

SACATON, Ariz. — A 17-year-old girl named Liliana Munguía has been located after a tense 11-day search following her disappearance in Iowa. The Gila River Police Department confirmed her safe return.

Munguía, a resident of Bapchule, Arizona, traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, to meet a 20-year-old man, Malachi Reed, whom she had connected with online. Following her absence, the Gila River police, in conjunction with the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, initiated an extensive search.

Authorities found Munguía in Ankeny, Iowa, and apprehended Reed at the same time. While officials did not disclose any details about her condition upon discovery, they confirmed that she was safe.

Gila River Police Chief Jesse Crabtree praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in resolving this case. “The quick response and coordinated efforts of all involved reaffirm our mutual commitment to addressing the nationwide Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons epidemic,” Crabtree stated.

Juan Munguía, Liliana’s father, shared his anxiety and determination as he traveled to Iowa to assist in the search. He expressed concern about the relationship between his daughter and Reed but acknowledged that he was unsure how they met or the extent of their communication.

“She must have made plans with them, or I can’t imagine what headspace she was in,” Juan noted, reflecting on Liliana’s brave decision to board a plane alone from Mesa to Iowa.

The Gila River Police Department expressed gratitude toward several agencies for their role in the search, including local police departments and FBI offices in both Phoenix and Omaha.