The family of slain Arizona girl Emily Pike says her short life was marked by neglect, instability and trauma before her death last year.
Background
Emily Pike, 14, had been living in a Mesa group home owned by Sacred Journey Inc. on and off for several years before her death, according to records and family members. In July 2023, San Carlos Apache Tribal Social Services removed Emily and her brother from their family's home on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in southeastern Arizona due to ongoing issues.
The teenager fled the group home on multiple occasions, attempting to return to her family each time. In January 2025, she fled for what would be the final time. Authorities discovered her remains on February 14, 2025, off U.S. 60 near Globe. Her body had been dismembered, with several body parts left in trash bags. Some remains have yet to be recovered.
Speaking to DailyMail, Emily's aunt Carolyn Pike said she wanted to take Emily and her brother in, but was unsuccessful. "The sad part was that whenever we would go pick her up – her and her brother – to spend time with us, we'd find them with lice in their hair and no shoes again and just raggedy clothes," Carolyn said.
Despite these challenges, Carolyn said Emily had a happy early childhood filled with ambitions of going to college, birthday parties and love before tragedy began unfolding around her. Social services ultimately placed Emily in the group home following two reported incidents of sexual assault – one allegedly at the hands of a family member – along with her parents' reported drug use. Her father, Jensen Pike, is currently incarcerated.
The Investigation
No arrests have been made in Emily's murder case. Investigators with the Gila County Sheriff's Office and San Carlos Apache Police Department continue to work the investigation. Authorities have said no one has been ruled out as a suspect.
The relative accused in one of the sexual assaults has not been publicly named, as charges were dropped. However, sources told DailyMail that individual reportedly visited Emily's home even after the assault occurred.
A source familiar with the investigation told DailyMail that dismemberment could have occurred in a bathtub. "There's some thought it might have been an elderly person or a senior citizen," the source said. "She had to trust whoever she went with."
Key Takeaways
- Emily Pike, 14, was found dead on February 14, 2025, off U.S. 60 near Globe, Arizona
- Her body was dismembered with remains found in trash bags; some remains have not been recovered
- She was removed from her family's home on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in July 2023
- Social services placed her in a group home after two reported sexual assaults and parents' drug use
- Her father, Jensen Pike, is currently incarcerated; one assault was allegedly by a family member
- Rewards totaling $175,000 have been offered for information leading to an arrest
- No arrests have been made; investigators have ruled no one out as a suspect
What's Next
The Gila County Sheriff's Office and San Carlos Apache Police Department continue to investigate Emily's murder. Anyone with information can submit anonymous tips through the online portal at tips411, call the Sheriff's Office at 928-425-4449 option 1, or contact the San Carlos Apache Police Department at 928-475-1700.