Authorities in Arizona are currently on the lookout for the individual responsible for the tragic death of 14-year-old Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Now, the tribe is offering a $75,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case, 12 News reports.
During a vigil on Saturday, the San Carlos Apache Tribe announced a reward to honor the late Emily Pike.
The Chairman of the tribe, Terry Rambler, took to Facebook to share his thoughts, expressing his respect and sorrow, saying, “I feel privileged and deeply moved to pay tribute to Emily Pike. My thoughts and prayers are with Emily’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
According to prior coverage by CrimeOnline, Pike was declared missing at the end of January. She was last spotted walking in the vicinity of Phoenix until authorities discovered the majority of her remains on February 14.
Pike lived in a Mesa group home when she vanished. Her former roommate told the media that Pike had a history of running away, and that she vanished after wanting to be with a boy she met while taking guitar lessons.
In response, tribes throughout the Valley have been rallying to raise awareness and support not only for Pike but for all missing and murdered Indigenous women.
“Indigenous women, when they’re taken, you know, they’re covering their mouths not to be spoken, you know, from being heard. So we are spreading awareness so that we are heard,” a speaker said during a vigil for Pike last week.
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. Her arms and hands are reportedly still missing.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) reportedly said there is currently no solid persons of interest or suspects at this time, but they do have surveillance video that could assist in the investigation. Officials noted they are generating leads and receiving tips but could not disclose additional details
In an interview with 12 News, the sheriff’s office investigators said Pike was likely killed in a different location from where they found her remains.
“That is one of the big focuses of the investigation is what happened between the end of January and then February 14 when she was discovered,” Lt. Jim Lahti said.
Anyone with information regarding this 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.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Mesa police]
