Disappearance of Mikelle Biggs

Mikelle was last seen on January 2, 1999, riding her bicycle near her family’s home in Mesa, Arizona. Mikelle and her younger sister thought they heard the music of an ice cream truck in the distance and approached their mother for money. At around 5:50 p.m., Mikelle and her sister waited for the truck near Toltec Street and El Moro Avenue. Her sister became cold and returned home to get a coat. Mikelle had vanished when their mother sent her back for her.

Mikelle’s bicycle and two quarters were discovered near the street where she was standing. The bicycle was partially back towards the house, rather than at the corner. The wheel was still spinning as it lay on its side. Mikelle and her sister had only been separated for about 90 seconds.

No Evidence

Authorities searched the entire area near Mikelle’s family’s home but found no evidence of her whereabouts. Her scent was lost by search dogs after only a few feet, implying she was placed in a vehicle and driven away. Although authorities were unable to confirm whether an ice cream truck was in the area at the time of Mikelle’s disappearance, all ice cream vendors in the area were cleared of any involvement in her case. Known sex offenders in the area were also cleared of any involvement with Mikelle.

False Leads

Mikelle’s case has had numerous false leads. On January 9, police discovered what appeared to be a newly dug grave outside Mesa. They discovered nothing. Two witnesses were hypnotized in the hope that they would remember something, but nothing came of it. A copper-colored jeep was reportedly spotted near Mikelle’s home at the time she was last seen, but when its driver was found, he was ruled out as a suspect because he had seen nothing out of the ordinary.

Houses in the area were searched with the owners’ permission, but to no avail. Only one homeowner refused to allow a search; he is not being held as a suspect. On March 10, 1999, a man allegedly attempted to kidnap two girls, ages 10 and 11, from a schoolyard. Police suspected the incident was related to Mikelle’s case, but the “abduction” was revealed to be a hoax.

Sketches of Two Possible Suspects

The sketches of two possible suspects in Mikelle’s disappearance have been released by investigators. This case summary includes both images. The sketches were not widely publicized because authorities are unsure whether the men are linked to her case.

Mikelle’s father is confident that he is aware of the perpetrator of his daughter’s alleged kidnapping. In 1999, Dee Blalock, the man, lived two blocks away from the Mikelle residence. He was listed as a sex offender and had prior convictions for sex offences in three different states. He was found guilty in 2001 of raping a neighbor and attempting to kill her. He is currently incarcerated in Arizona serving a fifteen and a half year sentence.

This case summary is posted with a picture of Blalock. His wife gave him a plausible explanation for Mikelle’s disappearance, claiming that he spent the entire night in their garage. When Mikelle’s parents visited him in jail, they directly questioned him about her disappearance, but he insisted time and time again that he knew nothing about it.

Funeral

Gilbert, Arizona is now home to Mikelle’s family. Her family held a funeral for her with an empty casket on the fifth anniversary of her disappearance. They think Mikelle was killed soon after she vanished. In her case, no one has been indicted on any charges.

As an honor student, creative, intelligent, and outgoing, Mikelle is described. She was a clarinetist and a part of the student council at her school when she vanished. When she was older, she wanted to work as an animator. She has two younger sisters and a younger brother, and her favorite color is purple. Mikelle’s disappearance has a dearth of leads, and her case is still open.

Investigating Agency

• Mesa Police Department 480-644-2211