Emily Pike, 14, sneaks away from the group home where she lives. When she does not return,
The Mesa police were informed when Emily Pike went missing and her mother was not notified until a week later. The responsibility to inform her case manager lay with the group home where Pike resided, who would then reach out to Pike’s family or tribe. To help locate Pike, authorities shared her photo on social media, created flyers, and alerted the media that she was missing, possibly a runaway.
About a month later, searchers discovered the remains of an unidentified female near U.S. 60, approximately 20 miles northeast of Globe, Arizona. While challenging to identify, the remains seemed to belong to a missing Native American teenage girl. Shortly after, it was confirmed by authorities that the body was indeed that of 14-year-old Emily Pike.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office shared that detectives found the head and torso in large trash bags, with the legs in separate bags. Despite efforts, the arms and hands were not located during the search. This confidential information intended for law enforcement was unfortunately disclosed to friends and family without prior notice.
A preliminary autopsy report notes visible trauma to Pike’s face and head. Authorities do not find clothing, jewelry, or identification with the remains. The cause of death remains undetermined. Investigators believe someone killed Pike elsewhere before dumping her dismembered remains. Her arms and hands remain missing.
The sheriff’s office says investigators recovered surveillance footage from Mesa, where Emily was last seen alive, but have not found footage from the rural area where her remains were discovered. Officials urge anyone with information to come forward.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to Pike’s killer.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Special Guest
Allred Pike Jr. – Emily’s Uncle
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo via Mesa police]
