'You will get caught': Two months pass since Emily Pike's disappearance

BYLAS, AZ -- It has been two months since 14-year-old Emily Pike was reported missing from her group home in Mesa. She was tragically found dead on Valentine's Day near U.S. 60 northeast of Globe, Arizona. During a visit to the San Carlos Apache tribal land, family members and tribal leaders shared their grief and determination to seek justice for Emily.

Emily, who was originally from the San Carlos Apache tribal land, was placed in a group home operated by Sacred Journey Inc. The loss remains painful for her family, particularly for her aunt, Carolyn Pike-Bender, who expressed that Emily simply wanted to return home. The family is distressed by the absence of a suspect in the ongoing investigation and emphasizes the importance of patience and prayer during this challenging time.

In response to Emily's case, the local tribal council has been proactive, advocating for legislative changes aimed at improving the safety of state-run group homes. Councilman Ned Anderson Jr. stated that the push for tighter regulations is driven by Emily's story, and they are also urging the passage of HB 2281, which proposes an AMBER Alert-style system specifically for missing Indigenous individuals.

Tribal leaders, including Chairman Terry Rambler, have committed to examining their youth home processes and possibly expanding their facilities, although such efforts may require substantial funding. In addition to advocating for systemic change, a $75,000 reward has been announced in Emily's case, with her family remaining hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail.

The investigation into Emily's death is being led by the Gila County Sheriff's Office, with support from federal agencies such as the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has offered investigative assistance and is awaiting the completion of a licensing review by the Department of Child Safety. The case has garnered significant attention, and the community continues to rally for justice in Emily's memory.