The tragic case of 14-year-old Emily Pike found dead after being reported missing from her Mesa group home, continues to unravel as authorities seek answers. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) has confirmed an ongoing licensing inquiry into the Valley group home where Emily resided before her disappearance. Furthermore, the recent discovery of her body near Globe has led the Gila County Sheriff's Office to lead a homicide investigation.

House Bill 2281, recently discussed at a Senate public safety hearing, aims to expand Amber Alert and Silver Alert systems to include missing Indigenous people. Emily Pike, being a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, falls squarely into a demographic that has been all too often underserved, with women and girls going missing at a starkly disproportionate rate. FOX 10 Phoenix states supporters of this bill believe its passing could provide an essential protective measure for this population. Currently, after having passed in the House, the bill awaits a full Senate decision before potentially reaching Governor Katie Hobbs' desk.

The story of Emily, whose remains were found dismembered off U.S. 60 northeast of Globe, has encouraged community acts of remembrance and demands for justice. Local artist AJ Larson painted a mural on a water tower on San Carlos Apache tribal land to honor Emily. "She needs her face to be out there," Larson told ABC15. "She needs people to know her name," Larson added. 

FOX 10 Phoenix noted that the public has been urged to actively assist in the ongoing investigation into Emily's tragic end. If anyone has any relevant information, they are encouraged to contact the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 928-200-2352, the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 505-917-7830, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police at 928-475-1755.