Justice For Emily Pike

Death of 14-Year-Old Emily Pike Sparks Calls for Reform of Arizona Group Homes

By Marie o’Nealle

Mesa, Arizona — The death of 14-year-old Emily Pike has sent shockwaves through Arizona and the Native American community, after her dismembered remains were discovered weeks after she disappeared from a state-licensed group home. The San Carlos Apache Tribe, of which Emily was a member, is now demanding a full investigation and sweeping legislative reforms to protect vulnerable children placed in such facilities.

Emily Pike, who had been living at a group home in Mesa, Arizona, was reported missing after sneaking out through her bedroom window. Nearly three weeks later, on February 14, her remains were found stuffed inside garbage bags along a remote forest road, according to a statement released by the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

In response to the horrific discovery, the tribal council passed a resolution urging Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and other state officials to conduct a thorough investigation into Emily’s death and to overhaul regulations governing group homes. Tribal leaders emphasized the urgent need to strengthen oversight, improve safety measures, and address the systemic failures that contributed to Emily’s disappearance and death.

“Emily was entrusted to a system that was supposed to protect her, but instead she was failed in the most devastating way,” the San Carlos Apache Tribe said in their statement. “Our children deserve better. They deserve safety, security, and a chance to grow up.”

The tragedy has drawn attention to longstanding concerns about group homes in Arizona, particularly those housing Native American youth. Advocates have repeatedly warned that many facilities are underregulated, poorly staffed, and ill-equipped to handle the complex needs of at-risk children. Native American youth, disproportionately represented in the foster care system, are especially vulnerable.

While Arizona law requires group homes to meet certain standards, critics argue that enforcement is weak and oversight often reactive, only improving after tragedies occur. Emily’s death has amplified calls from tribal leaders, child welfare advocates, and lawmakers for immediate action to reform how group homes are licensed, monitored, and held accountable.

State officials have yet to announce any new measures publicly. However, the Arizona Department of Child Safety confirmed that it has opened an internal review into the circumstances surrounding Emily’s disappearance and death. Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate how she died and who may be responsible for the gruesome disposal of her remains.

For the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Emily’s death is not just a personal tragedy; it is a painful symbol of broader systemic neglect. They are pushing not only for justice in Emily’s case but for real, lasting change to ensure that no other Native child is similarly abandoned by the institutions meant to protect them.

In the words of the tribal council: “Emily’s voice was stolen, but her story must not be forgotten. It must drive us to protect every Native child who depends on us for safety and hope.”