Teenager Found in Gila County

Gila County, Arizona – Authorities have confirmed the identity of a teenage girl discovered in the wilderness northeast of Grove as 14-year-old Emily Pike.

Sadly, her remains were found dismembered and placed in trash bags along the roadside.

Emily’s mother, Steph Docerra, expressed her heartbreak over losing her daughter, sharing the deep emotional impact it has had on her family.

Emily was described as a joyful young girl with a passion for art. “She was really happy and kind. She loved drawing,” her mother reflected, emphasizing Emily’s creativity.

Steph had dreams of her daughter attending college to pursue her artistic interests. However, everything changed in late January.

“A week later, her case manager came to tell me she was missing,” Docerra recounted.

Emily’s family lives on the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation. They mentioned that Emily was staying in a group home in Mesa at the time.

Mesa police reported that Emily was last seen around January 27th near the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKelips Road. The group home manager soon reported her as missing.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office announced that they discovered Emily’s dismembered remains on February 14th.

According to detectives, her torso and head were found in one garbage bag, while her legs were in another. Unfortunately, her arms and hands remain missing.

Autopsy results revealed significant injuries to her face and head.

“Why did it come to this? She was just so innocent… just a child,” Docerra lamented.

Detectives visited her home to collect DNA samples, and while they currently have three suspects, they haven’t disclosed any names yet. “They’re supposed to update me today,” she noted.

As Emily’s 15th birthday approaches, Docerra acknowledges how tough it will be to celebrate without her. Still, they plan to honor her heavenly birthdays going forward.

“I will never forget you. I love you,” her mother said, adding, “Please rest in peace until we meet again.”

While it’s clear that Emily’s death was a homicide, the specific cause remains undetermined.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police.