The tragic story of Emily Pike, the 14-year-old San Carlos Apache teen who was found dismembered in February, has taken a step forward as the Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office has determined her cause of death to be "homicidal violence with blunt head trauma," a sobering fact that brings little solace to a community still searching for answers and justice. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Emily ran away from her Mesa group home in January, her absence a stark silence in the days leading up to the harrowing discovery of her remains just off Highway 60 near Globe.
After she was last seen on January 27 near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, the search for Emily proved fruitless, with the manager of her group home reporting her previous tendency to flee the safety of residence and her known haunt at the Rock Teen Center offering no clues this time, the facility echoed with the hollow promise of refuge, and her customary escape route through a bedroom window left a gaping reminder of the vulnerability that envelops our youth. On Valentine's Day, what was to represent love and affection became a scene of horror when her head and torso were found in trash bags, according to a report by 12 News, though investigators believe she was killed elsewhere.
The interagency cooperation in this case reflects the gravity and urgency with which authorities are approaching the investigation: The Gila County Sheriff's Office is currently leading the efforts, with assistance from the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the San Carlos Apache tribal police, a collective endeavor to piece together the narrative that culminated in such a devastating loss. As part of these efforts, GCSO has established an online tip line for members of the public who may have information that could lead to catching those responsible for Emily's death.
For those who carry knowledge of the event, the weight of silence is an unbearable burden and the agencies urge anyone with information to step forward, with offers of anonymity and even a reward of $200,000 reported by FOX 10 Phoenix for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator, a monetary incentive that pales in comparison to the moral imperative to provide closure for a family shattered, a community shaken. Individuals with information can contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 928-200-2352, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Agent at 505-917-7830, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Detective at 928-475-1755, in the hopes that someone will hold the missing piece to this heartrending puzzle.
