Arizona’s governor has approved a new law that establishes a notification system to help locate missing Native Americans. This step was taken following the sad incident involving the disappearance and tragic death of Emily Pike, a young member of the San Carlos Apache tribe.
Known as “Emily’s Law,” this legislation is a tribute to 14-year-old Emily, whose body was discovered close to Globe several weeks after she was reported missing from her residence in Mesa.
The recently passed HB 2281 introduces the Turquoise Alert System. This system will facilitate the issuance and organization of alerts for missing tribal individuals under the age of 65 and individuals with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s Disease, or dementia. The system operates on a concept akin to the AMBER Alert, an urgent broadcast notification system used for missing children.
The bill also requires the Arizona Department of Public Safety to request activation of the Emergency Alert System whenever an authorized enforcement agency investigating a missing person’s case makes the request.
With Gov. Katie Hobbs’ signature, Arizona joins a movement that started in 2022 in Washington state to quickly and efficiently share information about cases involving Indigenous people.
NBC News reports that Colorado, California, and several other states have adopted their own versions of alert systems for missing Native Americans. Recently, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation for a Turquoise Alert, while North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong approved a Feather Alert.
The alerts derive their names from items of spiritual and cultural significance to Native Americans.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Emily’s remains were found on February 14, over 100 miles from a group home she fled from in Mesa, in late January. Her death prompted a surge in activism focused on the alarming number of disappearances and violent deaths impacting Native American communities.
No arrests have been made in the case. Police said some of her remains were found stuffed inside trash bags, while her other body parts remain unaccounted for.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office announced last month that multiple agencies formed a task force, including the sheriff’s office, the San Carlos Apache Police Department, the Mesa Police Department, the FBI, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The task force formed shortly after the San Carlos Apache Tribe offered its own $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in Emily’s case. Earlier this month, the FBI offered its own reward of up to $75,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for her death.
Information can also be reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 928-425-4449, option 1, or the San Carlos Apache Police Department at 928-475-1700.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Mesa police]
