Arizona Teen Emily Pike Found Dismembered: Investigation Ongoing

Image credits: Courtesy Mesa Police

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body found in the woods belonged to 14-year-old Emily Pike, a Native American girl from the San Carlos Apache Tribe who was last seen on January 27 near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. The discovery of her remains has sent shockwaves through the community, with authorities describing the scene as disturbing. Emily's body was found off the U.S. 60, a few miles away from the Jackson Butte Recreation area, with her head and torso in large contractor trash bags and her legs in separate bags. However, her arms and hands were not found, and preliminary autopsy results revealed visible face and head trauma, indicating a violent and homicide incident.

Emily's mother, Steff Dosela, has spoken out about her daughter's death, describing her as "just a baby" and a happy and kind person who loved art and painting. Emily was living in a group home in Mesa when she went missing, and her group home manager reported her missing. The teen's remains were located on February 14, just days before her birthday, and authorities were only able to confirm they belonged to Pike this past week. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into multiple suspects and asking for anyone with information to come forward. The Gila County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police.

The community is in shock over Emily's death, with many calling for justice and an end to violence against Native American women and girls. Emily's mother has expressed her pain and grief, saying "Why did it go that far? It's pain that I hope no other mother goes through." The case has highlighted the need for greater awareness and action to address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Gila County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police.

A timeline of events in the case includes: January 27, Emily Pike was last seen walking away from her group home near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road; February 14, Emily's remains were found in trash bags near the U.S. 60; February 26, the Gila County Sheriff's Office addressed a Facebook post regarding the incident; February 27, the Gila County Sheriff's Office identified the girl as 14-year-old Emily Pike. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events surrounding Emily's death and bring those responsible to justice. Key stakeholders in the case include the Gila County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police, and Emily's family and community.

Statistical data on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls highlights the need for greater awareness and action to address this issue. According to the National Institute of Justice, Native American women are more than 2.5 times more likely to experience violence and be murdered than any other demographic. The case of Emily Pike is a tragic reminder of the need for greater support and resources to address this epidemic. As the investigation into Emily's death continues, the community is coming together to demand justice and an end to violence against Native American women and girls. The list of policy points to address this issue includes: increasing funding for programs to support missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls; improving data collection and reporting on this issue; and providing greater support and resources to Native American communities to address violence and trauma.