Volunteers Search for Missing Girl’s Remains in Arizona

GROVE, Ariz. — A group of volunteers is taking initiative to search for the remains of Emily Pike, with hopes of bringing some sense of peace to her family and tribal community.

The 14-year-old was reported missing from a Mesa Group Home in January, and tragically, it was later confirmed that she died a few weeks afterward along US 60, northeast of Grove.

Local hikers stumbled upon her dismembered remains on February 14; however, not all parts of her body have been recovered yet.

“Some of her wants to go home,” Twyla Cassadore stated. “Maybe she wants us to find her, and that might give her peace.”

Cassadore has organized several smaller search efforts in the vicinity where Pike’s remains were found.

“We really need a crew out there,” she emphasized. “Drones, people—everything we can get, including cadaver dogs.”

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office informed ABC15 that additional searches, including the use of cadaver dogs, have taken place in the area.

A representative from the department noted that various organizations, such as the Tonto Rim Search and Rescue team, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and even the US Border Patrol, are collaborating on ongoing searches in that region.

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ABC15 reported that FBI agents, along with deputies from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and tribal police, returned to Emily’s mother’s residence on the San Carlos Apache reservation last Monday.

Authorities confirmed that the mother has consented to a new search of the property.

An FBI representative mentioned that, at this stage, no arrests have been made, nor has any evidence been collected.

Meanwhile, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office has stated that there are currently 10 active leads in Emily’s case, but no suspects have been identified yet.

On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office clarified that, at the moment, there are no other active areas of interest, but they are willing to conduct further searches if any new information emerges.

Cassadore highlighted the cultural significance of finding remains, emphasizing the importance of this in Apache tradition. “In our culture, it’s vital to achieve perfection before transitioning to the next life,” she explained.

“We have to retrieve her. She deserves to complete her journey. For us Indigenous people, this closure is crucial,” Cassadore added.

Emily was living in the Mesa Group Home when she was reported missing on January 27. It was later revealed that she had been killed roughly 20 minutes northeast of Grove, and it took weeks before she was positively identified.

Recently, hundreds attended Emily’s funeral, showcasing the community’s support.

“I can’t shake the feeling that the person responsible doesn’t realize how much their actions have hurt so many,” said Shelley Harris, a community member.

The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, along with various supporters and some Arizona lawmakers, is advocating for change while seeking justice for Emily.

“Let’s pray for our law enforcement, hoping they collaborate effectively to find those responsible for this horrible act,” stated Terry Rambler, president of the San Carlos Apache.

On Tuesday, Cassadore plans to lead another volunteer search at Milepost 277, the site where Emily was first discovered, running from 9 AM to 3 PM.

ABC15 reached out to Gila County Sheriff’s Office, and a spokesperson reiterated that there are no suspects or persons of interest at this time.