Emily Pike is the latest girl to go missing from a group home where Indigenous girls have been murdered, according to a report.

A teen girl remains missing, who reportedly lived at the same group home as Emily Pike, a 14-year-old found murdered in February.

Veronica Cruz, aged 17, has been missing since March 18, 2024, according to the Mesa Police Department. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children mentioned that Cruz might still be in the local area or could have traveled to Casa Grande or Eloy, Arizona.

A spokesperson from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) mentioned that it is mandatory for group homes to inform DCS when a child runs away or goes missing. However, they did not provide any specific details regarding the case.

In response, according to News 12, DCS launched a licensing inquiry into the group home associated with Pike and issued the following statement:

The Department expressed shock and sadness upon learning about the tragic murder of Emily Pike. They stand in support of law enforcement’s efforts to locate and bring to justice the perpetrator of this dreadful crime and others who prey on vulnerable children, especially those in foster care. The Department clarified that they do not believe any actions or inactions by the group home contributed to the unfortunate outcome in this situation.

”We have opened a licensing inquiry to determine whether appropriate steps were taken by the group home during this incident.”

Pike was last seen on January 27, walking near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road after leaving the group home where she lived in Mesa.

Information regarding Pike’s death leaked to the public late last month via a memo from Gila County police and social media. The memo indicated that Pike’s head and torso were found in bags on February 14. Her arms and hands are reportedly still missing.

On Monday, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office formed a task force in collaboration with agencies including San Carlos Apache PD, Mesa PD, the FBI, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to pursue justice for Emily Pike.

They also launched a centralized tip line for individuals who may have information about Pike’s case.

Meanwhile, Cruz remains missing. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211. 

Anyone with information regarding Pike’s case should call Gila County police at 928-200-2352, the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 505-917-7830, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police at 928-475-1755.

[ Feature Photo: Veronica Cruz/Ncmec]